Strategies for Improved Driver Behavior Within Work Zones

Author/Presenter: Mishra, Sabyasachee; Golias, Mihalis; Khattak, Asad J.; Everett, Jerry; Neupane, Pawan; Thapa, Diwas; Adeel, Muhammad
Abstract:

Work zones (WZs) are among the most hazardous roadway environments due to restricted geometry, temporary traffic control, and increased driver workload, which often lead to speeding and elevated crash frequency as well as severity. A section of roadway of nearly 8 miles long on I-65, in Robertson County, near the Kentucky state border, where additional lanes were being added, was identified as the study location. The posted speed limit of the WZ was 55 mph. This study evaluates the effectiveness of speed feedback mechanisms: Dynamic Speed Feedback Signs (DSFS), Speed Wizard (SW), and combinations of SW with Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS), in mitigating speeding behavior within freeway WZs. High-resolution vehicle trajectory data were collected through a multi-camera video system and analyzed using three complementary models: a Generalized Ordered Logit (GOL) model to identify determinants of speeding severity, a Bayesian Generalized Additive Model (BGAM) to examine non-linear speed adjustments, and a Spatial Lag Model (SLM) to assess inter-vehicle dependencies and spatial spillover effects. Results showed that DSFS and SW were the most effective interventions, significantly reducing mean speeds and severe speeding violations by at least 8%. Despite the speed limit of 55 mph, 75% of the vehicles travel at speeds higher than the posted limit. After crossing the feedback sign, the speed of the vehicle tended to stabilize around 58 mph, while higher speed vehicles decelerated and lower speed vehicles accelerated. Spatial effect on the driving behavior was found statistically significant, which showed speed reductions extended to neighboring vehicles, indicating collective behavioral adaptation. Overall, the findings demonstrate that speed feedback systems are highly effective, data-driven countermeasures for enhancing driver compliance and safety in WZs.