Vehicle lighting and signalling

A series of studies were made between 1989 and 1994 to assess various aspects of vehicle lighting and signalling, including desk studies, track experiments and simulations. The moving belt simulator used was initially validated by repeating laboratory experiments. Topics investigated included number and position of rear foglights, various methods of indicating heavy braking, daytime conspicuity lights, and gas discharge light sources. Best performance of following drivers was achieved with two rear foglights quite close to the stoplights; some advantage was evident when flashing rear foglights to indicate braking during thick fog. Under normal weather conditions, flashing stoplights or use of hazard lights to indicate heavy braking did not prove effective, but advanced warning of heavy braking by illumination of stoplights did prove effective. Daytime conspicuity lights on cars were shown to be of benefit during cloudy weather. (A)