Lateral Vision Angles in Roadway Geometric Design
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 12
Abstract
One of the main safety factors in merging areas and at skewed intersections is lateral visibility. Two field studies have been conducted to investigate both the vision angles from rear-view mirrors and the dimensions of the best-selling cars in Spain. The impact of the available lateral visibility in merging areas and at skewed intersections has been evaluated, and safe skew angles at both locations have been proposed. A minimum direct field of vision of 220° for drivers was assumed, while design vehicle dimensions were determined from measurements. Then, a skewed intersection that offerred an adequate intersection sight distance was determined. Taking into account the experimental lateral visibility design angles and the dimensions of the design vehicle, a new design has been proposed for merges during which no vehicle can be found in the driver’s blind spot. Another model was proposed for safe lane changing. Minimum angles of vision for the left and right rear-view mirrors in lane changing were determined to avoid the presence of vehicles in the driver’ blind spot.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 12 • December 2007
Pages: 654 - 662
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 15, 2005
Accepted: Apr 5, 2007
Published online: Dec 1, 2007
Published in print: Dec 2007
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