Simulator and Field Study of Truck-Mounted Automated Flagger Assistance Devices in Missouri

Automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs) are designed to improve worker safety by replacing flaggers who are typically located near traffic approaching a work zone. In this study, a new AFAD developed by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) was investigated by a driving simulator study and a field study. The MoDOT AFAD configuration, involving STOP/SLOW paddles, Red/Yellow lights, and a changeable message sign (CMS), was incorporated onto a truck-mounted attenuator for operator protection. Driver behavior measures, including approach speed, initial braking location, full stop distance, reaction time, and intervention rate, were used to measure the effectiveness of AFAD as compared to a human flagger. In the driving simulator study, the AFAD and its alternative designs significantly reduced average approach speeds (7.7 to 8.9 mph) and increased the distance at which the approaching vehicle came to a complete stop (24 to 48 feet). In the field study, the AFAD was able to slow vehicle approach speeds (4.20 mph less), stop vehicles farther back than a flagger (11.4 feet), and release traffic quicker than flaggers (1.3 seconds less). Each study was followed by a survey that captured driver preferences and understanding. The results from both surveys showed that drivers understood AFADs reasonably well and preferred AFADs over human flaggers, especially for the MoDOT AFAD configuration. Overall, the AFAD has potential to improve the safety of work zones and workers.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB55 Standing Committee on Work Zone Traffic Control.
• Authors:
  • Qing, Zhu
  • Zhang, Siyang
  • Brown, Henry
  • Sun, Carlos
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2018-1-7 to 2018-1-11
• Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 18p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automation; Field tests; Flaggers; Training simulators; Work zone safety; Work zone traffic control
• Identifier Terms: Missouri Department of Transportation
• Geographic Terms: Missouri
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01663594
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-01188
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 22 2018 11:57AM