Investigate the Effectiveness of Graphic Route Information Panels through a Survey Study

Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) provide a vital platform to assist travelers in planning more informed trips on route selection and diversion for congestion avoidance and safety enhancement. As one major information dissemination mode, Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) can provide real-time en-route information including roadway congestion situations, construction activities, incident events, and diversion needs. Compared with traditional text-only messages, graphic-aided messages can be better recognized and understood. Although text-based DMSs have been in operation for many years, research on graphic-based DMSs is still in its early stages. To enhance our understanding of critical issues on designing suitable graphic-based DMSs, this study concentrates on design of an innovative Graphic Route Information Panel (GRIP), and proposes a methodology for understanding its potential usefulness to drivers. An online survey is employed to examine sign rates of understanding by and usefulness to drivers. In addition to basic statistical analysis of the survey results, a Logit model is employed to investigate the significance of various drivers' characteristics and design attributes impacting the effectiveness of GRIPs.