The impact of perceptual treatments on driver's behavior: from driving simulator studies to field tests--first results.

Our study focused on the lateral position of drivers in relation to risk on rural crest vertical curves, using a field site proposed by a local operator of the French road network (Conseil Général de Maine-et-Loire, 49). The final goal was to test one road treatment on this field site. The study consisted of three stages.

The impact of perceptual treatments on lateral control: a study using fixed-base and motion-base driving simulators.

This research was carried out as part of the French national multidisciplinary research project, PREDIT-SARI. Using a driving simulator, it aimed to test the effectiveness of road treatments intended to inform drivers about the risk of losing control on rural roads with "crest vertical curves" (Landis et al., 2004).

Impact of perceptual treatments on lateral control during driving on crest vertical curves: a driving simulator study.

Approximately 48% of all fatal collisions in Europe are classified as single-vehicle run-off-road or head-on collisions. These crashes relate to trajectory control (road departure) and represent a safety challenge. In France, single-vehicle run-off-road crashes represent 21% of all crashes and head-on collisions represent 11%.