How Well Do We See Brake Lights?

Assessing the Attention-Getting Capability of Brake Signals: Evaluation of Candidate Enhanced Braking Signals and Features

"Rear-end crashes account for more than 29%of all crashes; these types of crashes often result from a failure to respond (or delays in responding) to stopped or decelerating lead vehicles" (NHTSA, 2007).

The work described here is part of a larger program of research intended to develop and evaluate rear signaling applications designed to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end crashes by redirecting drivers’ visual attention to the forward roadway (for cases involving distracted drivers), and/or increasing the saliency or meaningfulness of the brake signal (for attentive drivers).

This study quantified the attention-getting capability of a set of candidate rear brake lighting configurations, including proposed approaches from automotive companies. This study was conducted to provide data for use in a simulation model to assess the effectiveness and safety benefits of enhanced rear brake light countermeasures.

To read the study in full.

A Traffic Safety Fact From NHTSA