Research is reported that analyzed motorist noncompliance with traffic control devices, and focused on 3 questions: is there a compliance problem; and if there is such a problem, how critical is it and how can it be addressed? The research included a review of past studies of compliance, motorist interviews, observations of motorist behavior, discussions with professionals in engineering, enforcement, and administration, as well as countermeasure identification and testing. The study found that motorist noncompliance does take place but could not say if it was a serious problem. The frequency of conflicts from noncompliance was very low. This was attributed to driversassessing risk correctly and acting prudently. It was not possible to determine whether noncompliance poses a more serious problem in nontypical situations. Recommendations are provided for traffic engineering practitioners to use to maintain a safe and efficient roadwaynetwork. The recommendations address traffic control needs from a multidisciplined approach involving engineering, enforcement, and education.
Abstract