• Corpus ID: 109109515

Innovative Traffic Control Devices: Request for Experimentation

@article{Esse2002InnovativeTC,
  title={Innovative Traffic Control Devices: Request for Experimentation},
  author={Carol Tan Esse and Tamara Broyhill and Louisa Ward},
  journal={Ite Journal-institute of Transportation Engineers},
  year={2002},
  volume={72},
  pages={28-31}
}

• C. T. Esse, T. Broyhill, L. Ward
• Published 2002
• Computer Science
• Ite Journal-institute of Transportation Engineers

Transportation engineers typically use signs, signals, and pavement markings as tools for traffic control. In the U.S., standards for the design, application, and placement of traffic control devices (TCDs) are found in documents such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), for which the Federal Highway Administration is the publisher. The MUTCD is an always evolving publication, and all standards contained in it are subject to change. Because advances and innovations in technology produce changes in highways, vehicles, and driver proficiency, portions of the system of TCDs in the MUTCD require updating. However, before any change is made to the MUTCD, the impact of that change on safety, operations, and economics must be carefully weighted. Thus, it is important for appropriate evaluation studies to be planned and executed to assess the effectiveness of a new TCD. This paper describes the advantages and the process of one of the primary steps in implementing a new or innovative TCD or application--obtaining experimental status. The definition of what constitutes a successful experiment is provided, and information regarding funding is given. The focus is on the importance of conducting research and evaluation of innovative TCDs before incorporating them into the MUTCD.