Influence of Plateau Environment on Operating Speed at Exit Ramps

Abstract

Due to the effects of low-pressure and hypoxic environments at high altitudes, drivers in high-altitude areas exhibit increased perceived reaction times, leading to challenges in accurate speed estimation and handling judgment. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the impact of plateau environments on operating speeds at interchange exit ramps. Utilizing a UC/win-road simulator, six scenarios of expressway exit ramps were constructed. The simulation experiments involved 50 participants (35 males, 15 females) from Nanjing, China (altitude of 50 m) and 50 participants (36 males, 14 females) from Lhasa, China (altitude of 3,650 m). This research focused on examining the influence of the plateau environment on drivers’ operating speeds, investigating variations in speed between drivers in plain and plateau areas, across genders, and during different acclimation periods. It also aimed to predict operating speeds at the midpoint and exit of the curve on the exit ramp for drivers in both plain and plateau areas. Based on these predictions, the study elucidated the trend of operating speed as influenced by the low-pressure and hypoxic conditions of the plateau, as well as the characteristics of the exit ramp’s horizontal curve. Additionally, the research uncovered the internal correlations and potential reasons linking operating speed to drivers’ perception and response abilities, physiological and visual load levels, and driving styles.