01626290

Component

https://doi.org/10.3141/2617-06

Nighttime crashes at work zones are major concerns for construction workers and motorists. Although in a majority of the U.S. states, department of transportation specifications for work zone lighting mention that contractors should reduce glare for workers and drivers, only two states advocate detailed specifications like light positions, orientation, and light levels. Although some studies have examined the impact of glare from work zone lights on workers and others have calculated veiling luminance levels for drivers in the work zone, the effect of work zone lighting on drivers’ visual performance and glare perception has never been studied in a realistic setting. The goal of this study was to understand the impact of commercially available portable light towers (metal halide, LED, and balloon) and their orientation on drivers’ visual performance and their perceptions of glare. Participants drove through a realistic work zone simulated on the Virginia Smart Road. Visual performance was assessed by a detection task and perception of visibility and glare were assessed by questionnaires. Results indicated that the type of light tower and its orientation affect visual performance and perceptions of visibility and glare. Light towers aimed toward the driver resulted in lowering drivers’ visual performance, both objectively and subjectively. When the light towers were aimed away from or perpendicular to the driver, the visual performance was higher and the differences in visual performance between the types of light towers were minimal. These findings indicate that these orientations should be preferred for work zone light towers.

01632438

17-04641

English

pp 44–51

2017

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

9780309441667

Digital/other

Figures (7) ; Photos; References (15) ; Tables (1)

Drivers; Glare; Night visibility; Nighttime crashes; Street lighting; Visual perception; Work zone safety

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Dec 8 2016 11:46AM

• Analyzing and Improving the Performance of Dynamic Message Sign Reporting Work Zone–Related Congestion
• Calibration of a Digital Camera for Rapid Auditing of In Situ Intersection Illumination
• Effects of Full Matrix Color Changeable Message Signs on Legibility and Roadway Hazard Visibility
• Field Evaluation of Pilot Vehicles and Portable Traffic Control Signals With and Without a Flagger
• Influence of Truck-Mounted Radar Speed Signs in Controlling Vehicle Speed for Mobile Maintenance Operations: Oregon Case Study
• Recommended Guidelines for Nighttime Overhead Sign Visibility
• Special-Color Pavement Marking for Highway Work Zones: Literature Review of International Practices
• Work Zone Coordination Software Tool
• Work Zone Impact Assessment Methods and Applications
• Work Zone Safety Performance: Comparison of Alternative Traffic Control Strategies