HIGHWAY WORK ZONES. IN: HUMAN FACTORS IN TRAFFIC SAFETY

The chapter's review of literature on human factors issues related to work zones, especially on speed and traffic control devices (TCDs) indicates that the crash rate is higher in work zones than in non-work zones, that accident severity is greater at these locations, and that the main human factor contributors are: driver inattention, failure to yield, following too close, and exceeding the recommended speed. Rear enders, side swipes, and hitting fixed objects are some of the most common types of collisions occurring in work zones. More single vehicle, median crossover and alcohol related accidents tend to occur most often under night conditions. A greater accident risk is posed by trucks than passenger vehicles, as truck accident rate is usually higher and they are involved in more severe crashes. Also, a high proportion of work zone accidents occur in the area in advance of the actual work activity, which demonstrates the need to slow traffic and get it into the appropriate lanes well in advance with TCDs. Discussed are several available countermeasures.