Evaluation of Work-Zone Safety Using SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study Data

A number of factors have been noted in the research as contributing to work zone crashes. Driver factors have not been as well studied since they are difficult to determine from crash data, but it is largely believed that the main contributors are inattentive driving, speeding, and other unsafe driver behaviors, such as following too closely. A number of countermeasures have been utilized by agencies to get drivers’ attention and encourage safe work-zone driving. However, the information is limited about which countermeasures are the most effective, given that driver behavior in work zones is not well understood. The naturalistic driving study (NDS) data collected by the Second Strategic Highway Program (SHRP2) offers a rare opportunity for a first-hand view of work-zone safety-critical events. Using these data, actual driver behavior can be observed. Additionally, using forward roadway views, researchers can make a determination as to whether the events were actually work zone related. The goal of this research is to more fully investigate work-zone safety using the unique data available with the SHRP2 data. In particular, the analyses address the role of speed and distraction in work-zone crashes and near crashes. The goal is to determine how drivers negotiate work zones and determine the factors present when safety-critical situations arise as compared to normal work-zone driving. Results from earlier work suggest that the impact of speed, driver distraction, work-zone configuration, and roadway characteristics can successfully be included in the analyses.

Record URL:

Language

English

Project

Status: Active
Funding: $50000
Contract Numbers:
DTRT13-G-UTC37
Sponsor Organizations:
Midwest Transportation Center

Iowa State University
2711 S Loop Drive, Suite 4700
Ames, IA United States 50010-8664

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

Washington DC, United States 20590
Managing Organizations:
Iowa State University, Ames

Institute for Transportation
2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700
Ames, Iowa United States 50010-8664
Performing Organizations:
Iowa State University, Ames

Center for Transportation Research and Education
2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700
Ames, IA United States 50010-8664
Principal Investigators:
Hallmark, Shauna

Smadi, Omar
Start Date: 20160301
Expected Completion Date: 20180630
Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Automatic data collection systems; Crash causes; Crash data; Distraction; Driver errors; Road construction; Speed; Work zone safety
Subject Areas: Construction; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 01618659
Record Type: Research project
Source Agency: Midwest Transportation Center
Contract Numbers: DTRT13-G-UTC37
Files: UTC, RIP
Created Date: Dec 2 2016 1:35PM