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Speed Signs Make Work Zones Safer
The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) studied 5 different types of traffic calming methods in one day to see which was the most effective overall at slowing work zone traffic. They wanted to find out which method best reduced the number of people speeding in work zones, and which would reduce the overall speed the most.
Of all the methods they tested, including driver feedback signs and radar drones, the signs did the best overall job.
Radar drones send a radar signal similar to that used by law enforcement to check speed. People who use police radar detectors let them know police are in the area should be alerted by their devices that radar is in the area where radar drones are used.
How Did Driver Feedback Signs Fare?
The radar drone devices were relatively ineffective, not generally reducing the overall number of speeders, and not dropping the speed of those coming into and driving through the zone by very much at all. The average drop in speed didn't go over 1.6 mph, and that number was only for trucks approaching the zone.
Most average speed reductions were less than 0.5 miles and hour. While it's a reduction, it's not an effective amount. It doesn't really compare to the average drop of 5.2 mph among both cars and trucks when approaching the work zone that was observed where driver feedback signs were used. The signs were mounted on a trailer that showed both the speed limit sign and the feedback sign.
The construction workers agreed that both traffic slowing devices were quick and easy to set up, but felt that the drones, and therefore law enforcement radar, wouldn't be a good long-term solution. Workers agreed that the speed signs worked well, and felt good about using them to help control traffic.
Of all the methods they tested, including driver feedback signs and radar drones, the signs did the best overall job.
Radar drones send a radar signal similar to that used by law enforcement to check speed. People who use police radar detectors let them know police are in the area should be alerted by their devices that radar is in the area where radar drones are used.
How Did Driver Feedback Signs Fare?
The radar drone devices were relatively ineffective, not generally reducing the overall number of speeders, and not dropping the speed of those coming into and driving through the zone by very much at all. The average drop in speed didn't go over 1.6 mph, and that number was only for trucks approaching the zone.
Most average speed reductions were less than 0.5 miles and hour. While it's a reduction, it's not an effective amount. It doesn't really compare to the average drop of 5.2 mph among both cars and trucks when approaching the work zone that was observed where driver feedback signs were used. The signs were mounted on a trailer that showed both the speed limit sign and the feedback sign.
The construction workers agreed that both traffic slowing devices were quick and easy to set up, but felt that the drones, and therefore law enforcement radar, wouldn't be a good long-term solution. Workers agreed that the speed signs worked well, and felt good about using them to help control traffic.
About the Author:
Slowing work zone traffic is crucial for the safety of construction workers and everyone within the zone. TraffiCalm.com offers traffic solutions for work zones and anywhere you need to reduce drivers' speeds.