Evaluation of the effects of school zone signs and markings on speed reduction: a driving simulator study.

Xiaohua Zhao,Jian Rong,Jiahui Li,Jianming Ma

doi:10.1186/s40064-016-2396-x

Xiaohua Zhao, Jian Rong + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-2396-x

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Abstract

Traffic control devices are one of the most significant factors affecting driving behavior. In China, there is a lack of installation guidelines or standards for traffic control devices in school zones. In addition, little research has been done to examine the effects of traffic control devices on driving behavior. Few guidelines have been established for implementing traffic control devices in school zones in China. This research conducted a driving simulator experiment to assess the effects of school zone signs and markings for two different types of schools. The efficiency of these traffic control devices was evaluated using four variables derived from the driving simulation, including average speed, relative speed difference, standard deviation of acceleration, and 85th percentile speed. Results showed that traffic control devices such as the Flashing Beacon and School Crossing Ahead Warning Assembly, the Reduce Speed and School Crossing Warning Assembly, and the School Crossing Ahead Pavement Markings were recommended for school zones adjacent to a major multilane roadway, which is characterized by a median strip, high traffic volume, high-speed traffic and the presence of pedestrian crossing signals. The School Crossing Ahead Pavement Markings were recommended for school zones on a minor two-lane roadway, which is characterized by low traffic volume, low speed, and no pedestrian crossing signals.

Highlights

As is known to all, it is important for drivers to comply with posted speed limits in school zones
This study examined the effectiveness of the 17 design alternatives for reducing speed in each representative school and determined whether the relatively best design alternative was different for the two representative schools
For the Type I school, the relatively optimal design alternative to control speed was the one with the Flashing Beacon and School Crossing Ahead Warning Assembly, the Reduce Speed and School Crossing Warning Assembly, and the School Crossing Ahead Pavement Markings

Summary

Introduction

As is known to all, it is important for drivers to comply with posted speed limits in school zones. Speeding-related crashes in school zones have remained unchanged in recent years despite comprehensive national campaigns to promote traffic safety in school zones. A total of 188 students died and 1266 were injured in those 110 incidents. Among these incidents, traffic fatalities accounted for 30.26 %. School zones should be marked with special signage to alert drivers of the high concentration of children. School crossing signs, speed limit signs, school zone pavement markings and other treatments should be regularly implemented to remind drivers to take special care and attention when driving in school zones (FHWA 2009)

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