Description
The Signs and Markings Program includes a team of multidisciplinary researchers that explores and develops relationships between driver, vehicle, roadway and traffic control devices. Research focuses on how improved understanding of these relationships results in higher levels of safety, improved operations, and cost saving strategies. Much of the research conducted by the Signs and Markings Program is implemented through changes or additions to state, national, and international documents such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and ASTM standards and specifications.
Expertise
Researchers in the Signs and Markings Program have expertise in the following technical areas:
- traffic engineering,
- safety data collection and analysis,
- statistical and econometric analysis of transportation data,
- work zone design and traffic control,
- fixed roadway lighting,
- dynamic message signs,
- nighttime visibility,
- traffic control devices,
- geometric design,
- human factors,
- advanced highway technology applications,
- traffic sign and pavement marking materials,
- traffic sign and pavement marking performance (e.g., retroreflectivity, color, etc.),
- nighttime driver visibility needs,
- centerline and edgeline rumble strips,
- traffic signal warrants, and
- operational effects of geometric design.
Cooperative Relationships/Sponsors
The Signs and Markings Program maintains cooperative relationships with the following sponsors:
- Texas Department of Transportation,
- other state DOTs such as Florida, Arizona, Alaska, Tennessee, Hawaii,
- Federal Highway Administration,
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials,
- National Cooperative Highway Research Program, and
- private industry.