Multivariate Analysis of Truck Drivers' Assessment of Work Zone Safety
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 125, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper presents multivariate correlation analyses of truck drivers' opinions on speed, hazards, roadway features, and traffic control devices in work zones (WZ). About 90% of truck drivers considered the WZ to be more hazardous than regular sections. A higher proportion of less-experienced drivers said so. Less experienced drivers and drivers who considered WZs more hazardous preferred one-lane closure layout. Speeds were correlated with driver age or experience. Half of drivers admitted exceeding WZ speed limits. About three-fourths said arrow boards were too bright and either too high or too low. More-experienced drivers were concerned about visibility, but less experienced ones were concerned with the clarity of the flagger's message. Pavement edge drop-off, loose construction materials, lack of shoulder, and lane width made over 85% of drivers and a higher proportion of less experienced drivers more uncomfortable. About 70–85% of the drivers considered the traffic control devices helpful. Impact attenuators were ranked highest, followed by cones and a third group containing barrels, tubes, and barricades. Of concrete barriers, 70% said they were helpful, but 28% said they do not like their use.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 125 • Issue 5 • September 1999
Pages: 398 - 406
History
Received: Nov 9, 1998
Published online: Sep 1, 1999
Published in print: Sep 1999
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