Driver Understanding of Work Zone Flagger Signals and Signaling Devices

Details

• Creators:
  Richards, S. H. ; Huddleston, N. D. ; Bowman. J. D.
• Corporate Creators:
  Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University
• Corporate Contributors:
  Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Work zones
  • Traffic control
  • Physical distribution
  • Traffic control devices
  • Signals
  • Signaling
  • Human factors
  • Laboratory studies
  • Drivers
  • Flagging
• Publication/ Report Number:
  FHWA/TX-81/18+228-3
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  Texas ; United States
• Edition:
  Interim: September 1977- January 1981
• Corporate Publisher:
  Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University
• Abstract:
  This report documents the results of a human factors laboratory study conducted in Texas to evaluate driver understanding of 13 work zone flagger signals. A total of 123 motorists participated in the study, with 23 to 73 motorists viewing each signal. The signals evaluated included: 1) seven standard signals recommended in the 1980 Texas MUTCD, 2) two signals recommended in the 1973 Texas MUTCD but not included in the 1980 Texas MUTCD, 3) two signals recommended for use by police, and 4) two non-standard signals which combined standard signals from the 1980 Texas MUTCD. A STOP-SLOW sign paddle, red flag, and/or hand motions were used to perform the various signals. The study indicated that most of the signals which involved the use of a STOP-SLOW sign paddle and/or hand motion were understood by the drivers. The signals in which a flag alone was used were less effective. Some of the signals evaluated were found to be inadequate with respect to driver understanding, especially those signals intended to alert and slow motorists.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  2-18-78-228
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/85679/dot_85679_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 804.14 KB]
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:000218d1ed1895c4ce8bd1998c94cde67d5d20f988e630e1d28ee13f9c65d90e328e5bcf9ca9d5cc239d727f9bfb96bfb79cb6f0ec3e2b802a66480560c5c136