Study on the Influence of Different Types of Noise Barriers on Driving Behavior and Psychology

With the development of the urbanization process, the urban expressway road network is becoming more and more dense. The impact of traffic noise on nearby residents and drivers is a serious problem in urban center. To solve this problem, many cities have adopted different types of noise barriers to reduce traffic noise. However, in the environment with poor curve conditions, different types of noise barriers will have different psychological effects on drivers, and then induce the potential accident risks. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the influence mechanism of different types of noise barriers on urban expressway curves on drivers’ behavioral feedback and psychology. A case study of a two-curve section of Guangzhou North Ring Expressway was simulated with three kinds of noise barriers. Visual, psychological and behavioral data of drivers were collected through simulated driving. Improved longest common sub-sequence is used to quantify the influence difference of the three kinds of noise barriers on the driver’s behavior. Standard deviation of eye movement and work load values of each situation were also compared. The results provide a scientific basis for the operation and maintenance of urban expressway infrastructure and the selection of noise barriers.