The report summarizes the results of an experiment sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and carried out at the Maine Facility, which examined the effectiveness of several alternative sign configurations (traditional warning, warning signs with lighted beacons, and regulatory signs) for warning motorists of a hazardous intersection ahead in rural two-lane situations. The principal findings were that enhanced warning signs (i.e., with flashing beacons) and the regulatory speed zone configuration were consistently more effective than basic non-enhanced warning signs relative to making motorists aware of the situation and slowing them down. The conclusions were based on both actual speed decreases at the intersection and motorists perceptions (from a survey) of the situation.
Abstract