Naturalistic measurement of driver eye height and object height using photogrammetry

Richard Llewellyn,Prakash Sarkar,Mark Dunlop Taylor

doi:10.1680/jtran.18.00124

Richard Llewellyn, Prakash Sarkar + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1680/jtran.18.00124

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Abstract

Driver eye height and object height are key factors in the derivation of basic parameters for safe and economically efficient highway design. In this work, previous approaches to the measurement of these values were critically reviewed and the changes in them over time were investigated. Previous methods of measurement were found to have considerable limitations in terms of coverage or accuracy. A new approach was thus developed for the naturalistic recording of a sample of vehicles using the principles of photogrammetry – the first time this approach has been used for all vehicle types. A field survey on a typical single-carriageway UK trunk road was undertaken and the driver eye and object heights of vehicles using the route were recorded. This work confirms the consumer trend for larger vehicles with a consequential increase in driver eye height and object height. It was found that the values used in current design standards are conservative and robust, but potential exists for further review. The results of this study will be useful to roads authorities internationally in defining their own highway design standards.

Highlights

Overall, 251 vehicles were analysed and the descriptive statistics for each vehicle type are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3 for driver eye height, headlamp height and taillight height respectively
As headlamp and taillight units were found to be of a wide variety of shapes and sizes, measurements were taken to the base of the lighting cluster as a worst case
Conclusions and further work This study estimated driver eye height and object height based on a sample of vehicles on a typical UK trunk road

Summary

Introduction

Background New and improved highway infrastructure is recognised as bringing economic and safety benefits to society. Can be an expensive undertaking not least due to topographic constraints. One of the main contributors to the cost of highway construction is the volume of earthworks required. Minimisation of earthworks improves the economic case for new roads and simplifies construction through more challenging terrain. The critical importance of economically efficient design criteria should not be underestimated in this regard

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Conclusion