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In work zone areas, dynamic message signs are most effective at night and when alerting drivers of the presence of workers.

Simulator and field testing of dynamic message signs use in work areas.

Date Posted
05/10/2018
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Identifier
2018-L00820

Work zone sign design for increased driver compliance and worker safety

Summary Information

Struck-by injuries and fatalities are common in the construction industry. In 2014 a total of 318 occupational fatalities occurred as a result of workers being struck by vehicles on the job, accounting for 16 percent of all transportation-related occupational fatalities during that year. This study sought to develop design standards for dynamic message signs (DMS) to improve driver compliance and work zone safety.

Methodology

Overall, 44 participants were recruited to complete 12 simulated driving tasks in a high-fidelity driving simulator. Of particular interest to the investigators were sign content, frame refresh rate, and sign placement of driver speed reduction. In addition to the simulator test, a small-scale field testing was also conducted.

Lessons Learned

Sign frame refresh rate was found to have a significant effect on drivers' initial speed and speed reduction. Participants had longer fixation on the DMS when worker presence was mentioned in the sign content. Findings from the field study suggested DMS is most effective at night. Sign content and placement had no effect on speed reduction and compliance.



The results of this study yield the following recommendations:

  • Use dynamic message signs if work will be conducted at night. The presence of the DMS is more effective than static signs at reducing driver speed in the overnight hours. The presence of the sign is not detrimental at other times, but is truly beneficial when it is dark on the roadway.
  • Use a longer refresh rate between messages on the dynamic message sign. This allows drivers time to read and interpret the information displayed on each screen.
  • If workers will be present in a work zone, mention their presence on the dynamic sign. This heightens the awareness of the driver as they approach the work zone.