Citation

Seymour WM, Deen RC, Havens JH. Transp. Res. Rec. 1974; 484: 24-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1974, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Observations were made at lane closures on Interstate highways to compare effectiveness of yellow and orange signs. One sign scheme was used throughout the study. Driver obedience improved when new signs of either color were used; this finding implies that signs should always be maintained in good condition. Orange signs were slightly more effective than yellow signs in reducing traffic conflicts and merges near the traffic cones.

RESULTS of the study tend to support the adoption of orange as the standard color for signing construction and maintenance sites. However, differences between the two colors were rather small. Driver preference polls supported the orange signs more strongly. A degree of driver insensitivity toward signing was shown. In general, variables such as short sight distances, high volumes, poor condition of signs, and driver insensitivity produced unsafe situations at lane closures. However, the scope of the study did not permit observations at sufficient sites or at sufficient times to serve as a definitive exploration of such variables as weather, terrain, vertical and horizontal alignment, or level of service.