PROTECTION OF PERSONNEL IN MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION ZONES. INTERIM REPORT

The increase in fatal accidents involving maintenance personnel in construction zones prompted research into making working personnel easier to detect by motorists. Two approaches were taken to this problem. Improved safety vests were sent to various regions in Texas to evaluate their utility, and different types of driver communication devices were tested for effectiveness. Criteria were also established for "special use" garments for courtesy patrol personnel: to increase conspicuity and identifiability. The recommended safety vest has brilliant yellow-green (BYG) fluorescent/reflective material in a "W" shape on a red-orange fluorescent mesh background with strap and loop ties. Since the Changeable Message Paddle (CMP) is readily understood, light and manageable, and requires little training to use as a driver communication device, the feasibility of producing it in some from should be explored. A uniform of light colored shirt, dark trousers, shoulder patch with department logo, and safety vests should be worn by Courtesy Patrol Personnel.

• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transportation

  Transportation Planning Division, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Brackett, Q
  • Stuart, M
  • Carnahan, T
• Publication Date: 1985-10

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 49 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Color; Communication devices; Construction safety; Driver information systems; Fluorescence; Maintenance personnel; Measures of effectiveness; Protective clothing; Reflectorized materials; Safety; Variable message signs; Visibility; Work zone traffic control
• Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00453655
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-86/01+330-1, Res Rpt. 330-1
• Contract Numbers: Study 2-20-84-330
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: May 31 1986 12:00AM