Optimal setting of traffic prohibition and warning signs on four-lane highway in plain terrain based on driver's EEG signal

In order to investigate the impact of various highway traffic prohibition and warning signs on four-lane highways in flat regions, electroencephalography (EEG) data from drivers were collected through field experiments. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on EEG potential, time-frequency characteristics, topography, power, and derived indicators. The study aimed to objectively evaluate the effects of different traffic signs on driver behavior by examining the EEG characteristics exhibited by drivers when observing various types of traffic prohibition and warning signs. The result shows that (1) The alterations in frontal lobe potential and EEG power are significantly more pronounced than those observed in a resting state when drivers encounter traffic prohibition and warning signs, suggesting a heightened activation level in the relevant brain regions. This implies that the presence of traffic prohibition and warning signs in this context effectively alerts drivers. (2) Notable differences were identified in the EEG relative power of the β wave and the θ/β power indicator across six categories of traffic prohibition and warning signs, which include crossroads, weight limit, roundabout, T-junction, speed limit, and removal speed limit signs. Specifically, the relative power of the β wave was found to be higher, while the θ/β power indicator was lower for speed limit and removal speed limit signs, indicating that these types of traffic signs are more effective in capturing drivers' attention. (3) Conversely, the relative power of the β wave was lower and the θ/β power indicator was higher for weight limit, crossroads, and T-junction signs, suggesting that these signs are less effective in attracting sufficient attention from drivers. This diminished effectiveness may be attributed to factors such as drivers' habitual behaviors and the surrounding road environment. Consequently, it is recommended that greater emphasis be placed on optimizing weight limit, crossroads, and T-junction signs when enhancing the traffic prohibition and warning signs along this segment of the highway. The results of this study may serve as a valuable reference for the optimization of traffic prohibition and warning signs on similar highways.