Work sites are critical sections in road networks and make high demands on driver's attention and adjustment. To guarantee safe and frictionless traffic flow, traffic control and signposting at work sites, especially on autobahns with high volumes, are very important factors. This contribution describes a research project of the Federal Highway Research Institute, in which driver and speed behaviors were studied while passing work sites on German autobahns. One aim of the project was the analysis of the influence of signposting on speed, deceleration and following distance. Driving tests with an instrumented car, interviews of drivers and an analysis of accidents were conducted. The method and the results of these empirical studies are explained. Further items are the accident rates at particular sections of the work sites and the evaluation of the signing system.
Abstract