Open AccessEvaluation of the effectiveness of portable variable message signs in work zones in United Arab Emirates
Author(s) -
Ahmed Kamran,
AlZoubi Khalid,
Siddiqui Muhammed Abrar,
Anas Mohammed
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
iet intelligent transport systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.579
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-9578
pISSN - 1751-956X
DOI - 10.1049/iet-its.2015.0007
Subject(s) - software deployment , computer science , work (physics) , qualitative analysis , task (project management) , transport engineering , perception , variable (mathematics) , computer security , engineering , qualitative research , psychology , mathematics , operating system , mechanical engineering , social science , mathematical analysis , systems engineering , neuroscience , sociology
Highway work zones pose a higher risk of crashes due to an increase in the complexity of driving task and driver information. An effective way to impart variable pertinent information to the drivers based on local conditions is the use of variable message signs (VMSs). This study focuses on the effectiveness of portable VMSs (PVMSs) in altering speeds using data obtained during a field deployment, as well as qualitative data from road users and construction workers collected using surveys. Speed, volume, and classification data were collected before and during the installation of the PVMS. A questionnaire was developed related to the PVMS performance, which was used to gauge the perception of drivers and construction workers for the purpose of qualitative analysis. The field data and the survey results were correlated to study the impact of PVMS in reducing the speed of vehicles. The survey results indicated that the drivers as well as the construction workers perceived PVMS to have a positive effect on safety and that PVMS provides reliable information. However, the quantitative analysis of vehicular speeds before and during the installation of PVMS revealed no statistically significant change in speeds.