Details:

Alternative Title:
Project title: Evaluation of the effectiveness of automated flagger assistance devices
Creators:
Finley, Melisa D. ; Ullman, Brooke R. ; Trout, Nada D. ; Park, Eun Sug
Finley, Melisa D. ; Ullman, Brooke R. ; Trout, Nada D. ; Park, Eun Sug Less -
Corporate Creators:
Texas Transportation Institute
Corporate Contributors:
Texas. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Technology Implementation Office
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Crosswalks Electronic Traffic Controls Flaggers Flaggers (Road Construction Workers) Highway Traffic Control Systems Lane Closure Maintenance Personnel Pedestrian Movement Road Crews School Crossing Guards School Crossings Work Zone Traffic Control
Publication/ Report Number:
FHWA/TX-12/0-6407-1
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Texas
Edition:
Technical report; Sept. 2009-Aug. 2011.
Corporate Publisher:
Texas Transportation Institute
Abstract:
This report describes the methodology and results of analyses performed to determine motorist understanding, as well as

the operational and safety effectiveness, of automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs) relative to the use of flaggers at lane

closures on two-lane, two-way roadways. Based on the motorist survey and field study findings, researchers recommended the use

of both types of AFADs (stop/slow and red/yellow lens) in Texas. Researchers did not make any specific recommendations

regarding the red/yellow lens AFADs, since the research findings supported the current language in the 2009 Manual on Uniform

Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). For stop/slow AFADs, researchers recommended that a gate arm and alternative symbol

supplemental signs be required to reduce violations and improve motorist understanding. In addition, researchers made various

recommendations regarding the use of both types of AFADs.

This report also describes the methodology and results of analyses performed to determine the effectiveness of 1) five

stop paddles with embedded lights compared to a standard, un-lit stop paddle and 2) a prototype, portable, remotely operated, instreet

school children crossing sign with flashing light emitting diodes (LEDs) around the border of each sign face. Based on the

research findings, researchers recommended the use of one of the following to improve the conspicuity of crossing guards without

negatively impacting a motorist's ability to recognize the three critical characteristics of a stop sign (i.e., red background color,

octagon shape, and white STOP legend):

-A stop paddle containing flashing red lights arranged in an octagonal pattern at the eight corners of the paddle.

-A stop paddle containing a series of steady-burn red lights around the border arranged such that the lights clearly

convey the octagonal shape of the paddle.

-A stop paddle containing a series of flashing red lights around the border arranged such that the lights clearly

convey the octagonal shape of the paddle.

Researchers believed that crossing guards could us the prototype in-street school children crossing sign at school crossings to

improve safety. Thus, researchers also made recommendations regarding its future use.


Format:
PDF
Funding:
Project 0-6407
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:7c0ac2107e70c1f9041f124ac56c1d2858b8507eead9c2a598e112273e7c8ae5
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/23774/dot_23774_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

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