Citation

ITE J. 1980; 50(5): 37-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Information was obtained from a questionnaire soliciting data on experimental traffic control devices installed by various government agencies and research organizations. The questionnaire contained sections on the type of traffic control device, physical description, device operation, purpose, typical location, evaluation method, and summary of results. It was found that the devices were often used with no recordkeeping about their characteristics or effects. Purposes of using the devices, in order of importance, were accident reduction, improved driver information, improved traffic guidance, better reliability performance, better reflectance, improved illumination, and cost reduction. Device evaluations performed by before/after accident volume studies, speed and travel surveys, maintenance assessment, cost analysis, special effects photography, computer simulation, video recordings, and questionnaire surveys showed areas where additional information is required. It is suggested that experimental evaluations include a detailed description of the traffic control device (color, size, shape, and operative characteristics), the general location where the device operates, and traffic characteristics.