| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Sande Snead (804) 225-4491 sande.snead@VDOT.Virginia.gov Cell : (804) 536-7009 |
CO-071 Jan. 17, 2007 |
SIGNS, SIGNALS, MARKINGS ENHANCED FOR OLDER DRIVERS VDOT implementing safety improvements to benefit aging population
VDOT implementing safety improvements to benefit aging population
RICHMOND — Sorry, but it’s not your eye sight that’s improving. It’s the signs, signals and pavement markings that are being enhanced. With 13 percent of licensed drivers in Virginia in the 65 and older age group, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is using several visual-aid improvements to help senior motorists.
As part of its Older Driver Initiative, VDOT began implementing various improvements last summer to enhance safety and the driving experience. These include:
“Improved signage and pavement markings are helpful to all drivers, but particularly to seniors with limited sight and slowed reaction times,” said Ray Khoury, VDOT’s state traffic engineer.
VDOT last summer began using a new Clearview font and brighter retroflective sheeting on new and replacement guide signs. National studies show that using this more readable font improves legibility by 16 percent for older motorists.
Additionally, VDOT is now using pavement markings that enhance wet and night visibility in construction zones. Use of these markings for permanent applications is being tested.
VDOT continues to be a national leader in its use of older-driver-friendly materials that promote safety. Highly reflective marking material has been used on limited-access highways and certain other routes for eight years. Also, 12-inch-wide traffic signal lenses have been used in Virginia since the 1970s. National standards require eight-inch-wide lenses.
“The larger traffic signals offer added visibility and stronger wattage,” Khoury said. “We’ve also been using five-inch-wide back plates surrounding the signal clusters for years. They add greater contrast against the blue sky and a larger visual target.
“We are committed to researching and studying ways to make driving and navigating our roadways as clear and safe as possible for all motorists. These initiatives just happen to benefit older drivers in particular.”
For details, click here.
In addition to initiatives already in place, VDOT’s research division, the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), frequently conducts studies for improving sign, signal and pavement marking visibility and safety. One study that VTRC recently sponsored at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute recommended a new reflectivity standard that would provide greater pavement marking visibility for in wet-night conditions as well as improve usability of the roads and increase safety. The report, Pavement Marking Visibility Requirements During Wet Night Conditions, is available here.
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As part of its Older Driver Initiative, VDOT began implementing various improvements last summer to enhance safety and the driving experience. These include:
- Traffic signs — Improved lettering and more highly reflective guide signs are being used as are more overhead and ground-mounted street name signs at intersections with signals. Highly visible yellow-green fluorescent signs are being installed for pedestrian, school and bicycle crossings. High visibility orange signs are used in construction work zones.
- Wider pavement markings — Six-inch-wide pavement markings are being used on interstate highways and other high-volume roads instead of four-inch-wide.
- Horizontal signs — Interstate shields are being painted on the pavement to help better guide motorists where additional assistance is needed.
“Improved signage and pavement markings are helpful to all drivers, but particularly to seniors with limited sight and slowed reaction times,” said Ray Khoury, VDOT’s state traffic engineer.
VDOT last summer began using a new Clearview font and brighter retroflective sheeting on new and replacement guide signs. National studies show that using this more readable font improves legibility by 16 percent for older motorists.
Additionally, VDOT is now using pavement markings that enhance wet and night visibility in construction zones. Use of these markings for permanent applications is being tested.
VDOT continues to be a national leader in its use of older-driver-friendly materials that promote safety. Highly reflective marking material has been used on limited-access highways and certain other routes for eight years. Also, 12-inch-wide traffic signal lenses have been used in Virginia since the 1970s. National standards require eight-inch-wide lenses.
“The larger traffic signals offer added visibility and stronger wattage,” Khoury said. “We’ve also been using five-inch-wide back plates surrounding the signal clusters for years. They add greater contrast against the blue sky and a larger visual target.
“We are committed to researching and studying ways to make driving and navigating our roadways as clear and safe as possible for all motorists. These initiatives just happen to benefit older drivers in particular.”
For details, click here.
In addition to initiatives already in place, VDOT’s research division, the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), frequently conducts studies for improving sign, signal and pavement marking visibility and safety. One study that VTRC recently sponsored at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute recommended a new reflectivity standard that would provide greater pavement marking visibility for in wet-night conditions as well as improve usability of the roads and increase safety. The report, Pavement Marking Visibility Requirements During Wet Night Conditions, is available here.
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Page last modified: Jan. 18, 2007
