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Work zone sign design for increased driver compliance and worker safety
Md Mahmudur Rahman1, Lesley Strawderman1, Teena Garrison2
1Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 9542, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|June 6, 2017
Summary
Dynamic message signs (DMS) effectiveness in work zones depends on frame refresh rate, not content or placement. Refresh rate significantly impacts driver speed, with mention of worker presence increasing attention.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Transportation Engineering
- Traffic Safety
Background:
- Dynamic message signs (DMS) are crucial for work zone safety.
- Limited research exists on optimizing DMS design elements for driver compliance.
- Understanding how sign characteristics influence driver behavior is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish design standards for DMS to enhance driver compliance and worker safety.
- To investigate the influence of DMS sign content, frame refresh rate, and placement on driver behavior.
- To analyze the impact on speed reduction, compliance, and eye movements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-fidelity driving simulator with 44 participants completing 12 simulated driving tasks.
- Conducted a small-scale field study in a highway work zone to assess DMS effectiveness on vehicle speed.
- Measured driver speed reduction, compliance, and eye movement metrics.
Main Results:
- Sign content and placement did not significantly affect speed reduction or compliance.
- DMS frame refresh rate demonstrated a significant impact on drivers' initial speed and speed reduction.
- Mentioning worker presence on signs led to longer driver fixation durations.
- Field study indicated DMS are most effective during nighttime operations.
Conclusions:
- Frame refresh rate is a critical design factor for DMS effectiveness in work zones.
- While sign content and placement had minimal impact, refresh rate warrants further optimization.
- Future research should explore the combined effects of various DMS design elements and environmental conditions.
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