• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Logo

Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

Library of Resources to Improve Roadway Work Zone Safety for All Roadway Users

  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • X
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Work Zone Data
    • At a Glance
    • National & State Traffic Data
    • Work Zone Traffic Crash Trends and Statistics
    • Worker Fatalities and Injuries at Road Construction Sites
  • Topics of Interest
    • Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
    • Smart Work Zones
    • Work Zone Safety and MobilityTransportation Management Plans
    • Accommodating Pedestrians
    • Worker Safety and Welfare
    • Project Coordination in Work Zones
  • Training
    • Online Courses
    • FHWA Safety Grant Products
    • Toolboxes
    • Flagger
    • Certification and
      Accreditation
  • Work Zone Devices
  • Laws, Standards & Policies
  • Public Awareness
  • About
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Search
Publication

Motorist Comprehension of Traffic Control Devices for Mobile Operations

Author/Presenter: Finley, Melisa D.; Ullman, Brooke R.; Trout, Nada D.
Abstract:

In 2004, researchers conducted surveys to evaluate motorist comprehension of various mobile traffic control devices used to inform drivers about the number of vehicles in a work convoy; speed differential between the work convoy and the normal traffic stream; and passing a work convoy on two-lane, two-way roadways with improved shoulders. Four static signs were investigated to ascertain whether they inform motorists that they are approaching multiple work vehicles. Three of the signs (including the sign “Work Convoy”) had comprehension levels less than 53%. Placing the number of work vehicles on the sign (i.e., “3 Vehicle Convey”) improved the comprehension level to 79%. Various mobile speed displays were evaluated to determine if they provide information to motorists about the speed differential between the work convoy and approaching traffic. Only the “Your Speed” display (indicating speed of approaching vehicles) was understood by more than 85% of participants. In Texas, when mobile operations are conducted on the centerline of a two-lane, two-way roadway with improved shoulders, motorists are directed via a right flashing arrow panel to pass the work convoy to the right on the improved shoulder. However, under the current setup, only 66% of participants understood that they were supposed to pass the work vehicles on the right. All alternative text messages improved the comprehension rate; however, the “Pass on Shoulder” message was understood by the highest percentage of participants, at 97%.

Source: Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
Volume: 1948
Issue: 1
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Publication Date: 2006
Source URL: Link to URL
Publication Types: Books, Reports, Papers, and Research Articles
Topics: Mobile Operations; Perception; Temporary Traffic Control; Traffic Control Devices; Work Zones

Copyright © 2025 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is a project of the ARTBA Transportation Development Foundation. It is operated in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and Texas A&M Transportation Institute. | Copyright Statement · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer
American Road and Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation, American Road and Transportation Builders Association U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Texas A&M Transportation Institute