Nighttime Visibility of Prototype Work Zone Markings under Dry, Wet-Recovery, and Rain Conditions

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a dynamic pavement marking visibility study conducted as part of the FHWA Highways for LIFE Technology Partnerships Program Temporary Wet-Weather Pavement Markings for Work Zones project. Three prototype optics-on-paint marking systems employing high refractive index dual-optics drop-on elements were evaluated at night under dry, wet-recovery (immediately after rainfall), and rain conditions. These three prototypes were chosen based on their durability from an initial pool of 22 experimental systems evaluated in a test deck. This dual-optic system was designed to provide good visibility in both dry and wet weather conditions. Two commercially available marking systems were also evaluated as industry benchmarks (one glass beads-on-paint system, one wet-reflective removable tape). Thirty participants driving through simulated work zones on a closed course viewed all of the marking types at night under all three weather conditions. Each driver's task was to identify the direction of work zone lane shift tapers delineated by the markings. In wet recovery, all three prototype marking systems and the wet-reflective tape sustained 60% to 80% of their dry average detection distances, and in rain, they sustained 50% to 70% of their dry average detection distances. In contrast, the average wet-recovery and rain detection distances for the conventional glass beads-on-paint benchmark system dropped to 28% and 17% of the dry detection distance, respectively. In addition, participants failed to detect the conventional glass beads-on-paint benchmark system in nearly half of the observations in the rain condition.

Investigating Injury Occurrence in Motor Vehicle Collision Using Artificial Neural Networks

“…This may go along hand in hand with the “dry” condition of the road surface input variable having a negatively correlated relationship as well. Studies do show that wet conditions, particularly at night, can prove problematic for visibility, vehicle performance and ultimately pre‐crash maneuvers (Higgins et al., ).…”

“…On a side note, 12:00 a.m. (mid night) provided the largest positively correlated time variable. This could possibly be explained by the fact that decreased visibility may impede one's ability to avoid a crash (Higgins et al ).…”

“…Variables only relating to the events, driver, and vehicles characteristics were used for this study. These variables were selected based on the compilation of previous studies in traffic safety analysis (Abdelwahab & Abdel-Aty, 2003;Chang, Lin, Fung, Hwang, & Doong, 2008;Dahl, 2004;Das, Pande, Abdel-Aty, & Santos, 2008;Eby et al, 2006;Gabany, Plummer, & Grigg, 1997;Harb, Yan, Radwan, & Su 2009;Higgins et al, 2009;Karlaftis & Golias, 2002;Kim et al, 1998;Maze et al, 2006;McGarva, Ramsey, & Shear, 2006;McKnight & Mcknight, 2003;Meuser, Carr, & Ulfarsson, 2008;Mussone et al, 1999;Newgard, 2008;NHTSA, 2007aNHTSA, , 2007bNHTSA, , 2007cNHTSA, , 2007dPlavšić, Klinker, & Bubb, 2010;Shope & Bingham, 2008). Seventeen input variables were selected for this study, and the output variable is the injury occurrence.…”

Performance Evaluation of Wet Pavement Markings in Ohio

“…However, it was concluded that none of the materials tested provided adequate visibility distance at speeds greater than 45 mph. In a study funded by the FHWA Highways for LIFE Technology Partnerships Program, Higgins et al (2009) evaluated the performance of several temporary pavement markings for work-zone projects. Three experimental optics-on-paint marking systems incorporating high refractive index dual-optics drop-on elements, specially designed to provide good visibility in dry and wet conditions, and two commercially available temporary markings (one glass beads-on-paint system and one wet-reflective removable tape) were evaluated under dry, wet-recovery (just after rainfall), and simulated rain conditions (0.5 inch/hr).…”

Life-threatening alcohol-related traffic crashes in adverse weather: a double-matched case–control analysis from Canada

“… 16 Adverse weather reduces visibility, decreases vehicle traction, creates visual glare, obscures reflective road markings and changes the patterns of vehicle cross traffic. 17 18 Naturally, everyday driving entails an endless configuration of potential additional hazards that vary for each person and are easily forgotten after an uneventful trip. 19 The unrecognised effect of these hazards, however, might create a fundamental mechanism explaining the complex link between drunk driving and traffic crashes.…”