Flagger safety and alternatives to manual flagging

This report addresses the seriousness of the flagger safety problem, and examines methods of improving flagger safety. Several existing devices are identified that can be used instead of flaggers as attention getting devices at work zones. The report also discusses two alternatives that can be used instead of flaggers for control of alternating, one way traffic at work zones on two lane two way highways. One method, applicable for short work zones on low volume roads, is to place yield signs on both approaches, and allow traffic to regulate itself through the work zone. The other alternative is to use portable traffic signals that are now commercially available. Field studies of portable signals revealed that substantial savings in flagger labor costs could be realized, with only a minimal increase in motorist delay costs. Two supplemental devices to be used with flagger control of alternating, one way traffic were also examined. A freestanding, oversized stop/ slow paddle and a temporary reusable stop bar both reduced the variability in the distance at which drivers stopped in front of the flagger. These results suggest that the supplemental devices provide useful and pertinent information to drivers at flagger controlled work zones (a).

• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  College Station, Texas  United States 
• Authors:
  • Ullman, G L
  • Levine, S Z
  • Booker, S C
• Publication Date: 1987-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 56P
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 406-1F

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crashes; Highway safety; Human factors; Traffic control devices; Traffic signals
• ATRI Terms: Construction site; Crash; Human factors; Road safety; Traffic control devices; Traffic signal
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01418467
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 24 2012 6:16AM