Phase II was conducted using an instrumented vehicle through a construction zone-related detour. Questionnaire data were also obtained. The independent variables of interest were sign color combination, age, and visibility condition. The findings of Phase II indicated that use of a color combination other than the traditional black on orange sign would improve driver performance and safety when used for trailblazing during critical incidents, especially when the incident route overlaps a work zone detour. A serious limitation of Phases I and II is that the use of fluorescent colors was not evaluated.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of fluorescent colors on signs improves their conspicuity.
The purpose of Phase III was to evaluate fluorescent sign color combinations for incident management trailblazing purposes. Both younger and older drivers have a preference for a black on fluorescent yellow-green sign. Fewer late braking maneuvers and fewer turn errors were recorded during daytime conditions than during nighttime conditions. Older drivers tended to register more late braking maneuvers than did younger drivers. If you have more questions or technical problems, please Contact SCP .