This paper was presented at the session titled `New technologies in traffic engineering'. Frequently, aggressive motorists pass other vehicles, invading the traffic stream near the taper to a work zone area in order to gain a slight time advantage. This dangerous practice has become quite common and is considered to be a significant cause of work zone accidents, even deaths. A Dynamic Work Zone Safety System has been developed which controls this problem. Utilising a series of flashing traffic signs which are activated by traffic sensors when traffic queues are formed, the system assists in the prevention of dangerous merging prior to the taper of a work zone. The objective is to get motorists to merge as soon as possible so traffic flows more smoothly. The system creates a dynamic "no passing" zone. There are a series of enforceable "Do Not Pass When Flashing" signs. The lights on the sign closest to the work zone are always flashing. A sensor on that sign detects when traffic starts to back up in the area. It then transmits a signal to the next sign farther ahead of the work zone and its lights begin flashing. This action is repeated along the length of the control zone where signs are located, as traffic continues to back up. This paper discusses the results of the Dynamic Work Zone Safety System as used in the State of Indiana. The conclusion is that the system reduces dangerous merging practices prior to work zones and even leads to a reduction in road rage. (A)
Samenvatting