Emphasis on work zone safety and improving the identification of work zone problems has been increased by recent legislation and federal programs. There is a critical need for better data related to highway work zone safety. Results are presented of an investigation to (a) determine what is known about the magnitude of highway work zone crashes, (b) examine characteristics of highway work zone crashes using the Highway Safety Information System, (c) investigate how work zone accidents are reported on police accident report forms and within state accident report systems, (d) identify critical voids in the knowledge of the relative safety of work zones, and (e) examine possible ways to address unfulfilled information needs related to work zone safety. Deficiencies of data reporting practices and issues of data needs pertaining to work zone safety are discussed. Recommendations to improve data collection and fulfill information needs are presented, including suggested data elements to be added to police accident report forms.

No abstract

No abstract

In recent years, symbols have been used to improve the ability of traffic signs to communicate their messages. A study of traffic sign symbols was recently completed at the Federal Highway Administrations Turner-Fairbanks Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia. In this study, a laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the relative legibility distance and driver comprehension for 22 symbol warning signs currently in use in the United States. The results showed that the legibility distance of symbols decreases with increasing driver age and that bold symbols of simple design provide the best legibility distance for all age groups. This study also showed that the legibility distance for symbolic signs can be equal to that of alphabetic signs or have as much as 4 times greater legibility distance depending on the message. The sign comprehension data indicated several symbols need redesign or increased driver education efforts.