In Illinois alone, work zone accidents result in an average of 2,100 injuries and 27 fatalities per year. Contrary to popular belief, motorists are more likely to get hurt in work zones than workers. With the end goal of safer work zones for everyone, ICT supports research to study driver behavior and improve the set-up of work zones.
ICT researchers Khaled El-Rayes and Liang Liu analyzed the frequency and severity of traffic-related work zone crashes and investigated the probable causes and contributing factors of these crashes. Next they developed practical recommendations for improved work zone layouts and merge techniques that minimize the probable causes of work zone crashes. As part of the project, they also evaluated the practicality and effectiveness of the strategies proposed by the Illinois Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan to add temporary/portable rumble strips within and prior to work zones.
As a result of this project, ICT has presented IDOT with a comprehensive analysis of work zone crashes in Illinois, specific recommendations for improving work zone layouts, merge techniques, and traffic control standards and specifications. Marshall R. Metcalf, IDOT District 6 Traffic Operations Engineer, explains, “As IDOT works to reduce traffic related work zone crashes and fatalities, these statistically based recommendations will help IDOT to make the best decisions to improve safety. IDOT will apply resources to the areas of greatest potential improvement as a part of a rational approach to continual reduction in crashes and fatalities.”
Image: Temporary rumble strips were installed so researchers could study how well they generated sound levels to enhance the alertness of drive-by motorists.