Journal of Traffic Control Device Research

Foreward

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The Intricate Interstate

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The Steady Beacon

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Tucson BikeHAWK: Adapting the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to Assist Bicyclists in Crossing Arterial Streets

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The operation of the Tucson BikeHAWK, crash history, usage, and compliance:

There have been NO cyclists related crashes over the last 6 years (even during the pandemic times) and 96% of the riders use the BikeHAWK as intended.
Basically, 100% of family riders with children or children alone use the BikeHAWK as intended.
94% of the crossers were bicyclists and 6% were pedestrians generally at Bike Boulevard crossings.
The device was found to be easily understood by all users and bicyclists who followed the designated paths with ease. The high level of understanding was most likely because the BikeHAWK was designed based upon their natural behavior that was observed while crossing at HAWK controlled crosswalks.
There continues to be the normal high level of driver compliance to the HAWK crossing device, especially at the higher-speed crossings. Driver yielding compliance still consistently remains within the range from 97% to 100% yielding at HAWKs and BikeHAWKs. A new technique has dramatically increased pedestrian compliance which increased from approximately 70% to over 90% with the “HOT” button operation with minimal loss in arterial LOS. “HOT” button operations have been recommended by FHWA at such pedestrian crossings that respond promptly to the pedestrian’s or cyclist’s call button for service. (Automated pedestrian activation was experimented with, however there were many missed or false calls. It was found, especially true during the hot Tucson summers, pedestrians do not wait at the curb, but in the nearest shade to wait for the HAWK beacon to activate when in coordination mode.)
50% of riders using the BikeHAWK were males, 46% were females, and 6% were children. (This level of female ridership is significantly higher than the historical Tucson average regional percentage of 26%. The higher percentage is considered an indication of perceived safety by cycling experts)

Field Evaluation of Methods for Enhancing Sign Conspicuity

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The 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) outlines various strategies to
enhance the conspicuity of traffic signs, defined as a traffic sign’s ability to stand out and attract
attention. Improving sign conspicuity is believed to directly and indirectly impact safety by
promoting compliance, reducing speeds, and decreasing accidents. However, despite these
enhancements, there is a lack of comprehensive research on their actual effectiveness on driver
behavior. This study aims to fill that gap by evaluating the effectiveness of these conspicuity
treatments, focusing on methods currently endorsed by the MUTCD rather than exploring novel
treatments.
To conduct this evaluation, the research team reviewed existing literature and practices,
consulting with members of the Traffic Control Devices Pooled Fund Study (TCD PFS) to
identify which MUTCD treatments were being effectively utilized across states. Given that
conspicuity, especially retroreflectivity, cannot be effectively replicated in laboratory settings, the
researchers employed field experiments to gather data. They utilized a two-part approach,
combining observational field data and eye-tracking studies, to assess how these conspicuity
treatments influence driver behavior. This methodology allowed for a nuanced understanding of
whether these enhancements lead to increased attention to signs and subsequent changes in
driving behavior.

Case Study on the Application of Temporary Orange Pavement Markings in Work Zones

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To further advance traffic safety and reduce work zone injuries and fatalities, ATSSA promotes innovation in work zone traffic control practices, materials, and equipment. Recently, the ATSSA Pavement Marking Committee brought together individuals from various public and private organizations with different backgrounds to identify needs and challenges, share new technology and information, and discover and advocate for proven safety countermeasures. One recent focus for the committee included the application of temporary orange pavement markings in work zones, an experimental technique per the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). To assess orange pavement marking practices, ATSSA created a task force focused on this innovation. Seven DOTs have applied orange pavement markings in various configurations to improve work zone safety for the traveling public. From this information, ATSSA created a synthesis document on the application of different types of temporary orange pavement markings in the United States.

Observational Assessment of the Effectiveness of Traffic Control Devices on Lane Use Compliance on Motorways

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Modern roadway design philosophy assumes that slower and non-continuing vehicles remain in the
outside lanes of motorways, which are median-divided, multi-lane, high-speed free-flow roads
characterized by controlled and limited access, e.g., freeways. Correspondingly, proper selection of a
travel lane by the vehicle operator is generally understood to enhance safety and operational performance.
Lane selection according to the basic rule assumes that the innermost (median-adjacent) lane of
the roadway in each direction functions as an auxiliary lane, being reserved for vehicles expediting
passing maneuvers and subsequently vacating the lane. Cultural perspectives indicate a conflict between
those who value the flexibility of passing lane availability and others who demand strict compliance with
the speed limit, constraining the availability of this auxiliary lane. Such inflexible adherence to speed
limits by vehicle automation systems and Intelligent Speed Assistance will further exacerbate the
prevalence of antisocial inappropriate lane use.

This paper presents a model developed to identify the position (leftward, rightward) and status
(expediting, blocking, cruising) of vehicles using the inside lane, based on time-space relationships.
Application of this discrete model to a heuristic field investigation of basic rule conformance and
responsiveness indicated limited local and systemic effectiveness of regulatory signing in the United
States. Cruising and blocking behaviors were observed to be commonplace, suggesting imbalanced
enforcement with respect to speed and a need for additional auxiliary lanes along uphill grades and within
interchanges. Alongside adjustments to policy, enforcement, and education, tactical deployments of
active-feedback signing hold potential for improving conformance with the basic rule.

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2024-10-25T19:56:25+00:00