STUDIES OF HIGHWAY ADVISORY RADIO MESSAGES FOR ROUTE DIVERSIONS

Abstract

A series of in-situ controlled field studies were conducted to establish the effectiveness of Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) message characteristics in aiding motorists to negotiate diversion routes. The research investigated the effects of language style, message load manner of message repetition, the use of landmarks and other route descriptors, and driver familiarity with the street system. Drivers listened to simulated HAR messages while on a metropolitan interstate and were then requested to negotiate complex diversion routes by recalling the information given. Recommendations for designing HAR messages are given based upon the study findings.