Driver' Safety Assessment in Two-Lane Rural Roads Work Zones

Work zones generate several challenges in terms of safety for both workers and drivers. The complex geometry including the presence of temporary signs, channelizing devices, lane changes, lane reduction, and traffic flow modified road configuration, increases the risk of crashes. Previous studies conducted at University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) regarding the impact of global positioning system (GPS) usage in a smartphone while driving in a work zone/Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) in a high-speed divided highway using a driving simulator have concluded that smartphone usage increases distractions that may lead to serious and fatal crashes. The research objective is to investigate if the use of GPS on both geometric and operational situations (two-lane undivided -vs- divided freeways) vary significantly in terms of the potential safety implications associated with serious injuries and fatalities. Specifically, the effects of distractions caused by the audible messages of the active GPS or texting while approaching or entering the advanced warning area of the TTC and the probability of error maneuvers with the STOP/SLOW worker’s paddle will be investigated. Based on the problem stated above, the research team proposes to use the UPRM driving simulator to evaluate driver’s behavior in terms of speed, lateral position and reaction time in a two-lane rural road work zone. The goal is to compare the results of this study with phase one study which included a closed exit ramp on a high-speed divided freeway.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Funding: $20100
  • Contract Numbers:

    69A3551747131

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

    University Transportation Centers Program
    Department of Transportation
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Managing Organizations:

    University of Iowa, Iowa City

    National Advanced Driving Simulator, 2401 Oakdale Blvd
    Iowa City, IA  United States  52242-5003
  • Performing Organizations:

    University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez

    Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying
    PO Box 9000
    Mayagüez PR 00681-9000, PR  United States  00681-9000
  • Principal Investigators:

    Lopez del Puerto, Cara

    Valdes Diaz, Didier

  • Start Date: 20190601
  • Expected Completion Date: 20201201
  • Actual Completion Date: 0
  • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01699006
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Safety Research Using Simulation University Transportation Center (SaferSim)
  • Contract Numbers: 69A3551747131
  • Files: UTC, RIP
  • Created Date: Mar 20 2019 9:39AM