The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has been the U.S. standard for traffic control devices for 70 years. There have been nine editions of the MUTCD, with each edition containing more information than its predecessor. If continued into the future, the increase in MUTCD content could make the document more difficult to use. In addition, future editions of the MUTCD face several challenges, such as the appropriate definition of a traffic control device, the usability of the document as it continues to grow in size, and how to address several emerging issues. These emerging issues address a wide range of topics such as the needs of specific road user groups (older drivers, pedestrians), new types of traffic control devices (changeable message signs, in-vehicle devices), and new applications for traffic control devices (roundabouts, private property). This paper describes some of the most significant challenges and emerging issues in an effort to provide discussion topics to be considered in the future development of the MUTCD. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213531.
Abstract