Driver Understanding of Work Zone Flagger Signals and Signaling Devices

The 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 include: (1) seven standard signals recommended in the 1980 Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (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.