Effectiveness of an Experimental Stop/Slow Flag in Workzones

The stop/slow paddle has been established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as the primary work zone hand-signaling device. While motorists receive positive guidance through their clear messages, using them is cumbersome. While flags are much easier to handle, they do not provide such guidance, and therefore generally should only be used in spot locations for emergencies. A handheld flag displaying stop and slow legends has been developed by New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) highway maintenance employees that combines the positive guidance of paddles with the maneuverability of flags. FHWA granted NYSDOT permission to evaluate its effectiveness, and it has been indicated, through comparative field tests, that as they approach the new flag, drivers reduce speed earlier - for example, in approaching the new flag, motorists averaged 4.9 km/h slower at about 120 m than they did with the paddle. When using the new flag, there also were fewer violations of instructions and fewer erratic driver movements. Consideration of the new hand held flag displaying stop and slow legends as an alternative to the stop/slow paddle is warranted based on this evidence of improved legibility and compliance.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/18245463
• Authors:
  • Choueiri, E M
  • Valenti, R A
  • Sandhu, D
  • Choueiri, G M
  • Choueiri, B M
• Publication Date: 2009-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 55-64
• Serial:
  • Advances in Transportation Studies
  • Volume: 17
  • Publisher: University Roma Tre
  • ISSN: 1824-5463
  • Serial URL: http://www.atsinternationaljournal.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Maintenance personnel; Stopping; Work zone safety; Work zone traffic control
• Identifier Terms: New York State Department of Transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness; Experimental design; Flags; Speed reduction; Stop/slow paddles
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01129682
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: May 29 2009 7:41AM