16.8 Design Consistency in Rural Driving

16.8 Design Consistency in Rural Driving Motorists make fewer errors when they encounter geometric features that are consistent with their expectations. Inconsistent designs or facility operations violate driver expectations. Expectations for downstream road segments...

16.4 Countermeasures for Pavement/Shoulder Drop-Offs

16.4 Countermeasures for Pavement/Shoulder Drop-Offs Shoulder drop-offs are present where the pavement surface and roadside surface differ in height (from a fraction of an inch to several inches). Height differences typically result from rutting erosion, excessive...

15.8 Signage and Markings for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

15.8 Signage and Markings for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes HOV lanes reduce travel times and increase level of service for buses and other HOVs. Good signage and markings are critical for communicating rules for using these lanes. Table 15.3 lists design...

14.2 Task Analysis of Rail-Highway Grade Crossings

14.2 Task Analysis of Rail-Highway Grade Crossings Traffic control devices play a valuable role in warning motorists of downstream rail crossings. Table 14.1 lists compliance issues and guidelines that influence whether motorists stop when warned of impending trains....

13.12 Determining Work Zone Speed Limits

13.12 Determining Work Zone Speed Limits Decisions about work zone speed limits need to account for road geometrics and the location of work zone features (e.g., lane closure tapers, work activity). If possible, keep work zone speed limits within 10 mph of normal...

13.10 Sign Legibility

13.10 Sign Legibility Factors that influence sign legibility include retroreflectivity, color, letter/number font, and location (e.g., roadside or overhead). Prismatic sheeting enhances sign retroreflectivity. Use of fluorescent colors increases sign visibility in...