Effective Design Patterns for Vehicle Mounted Attenuators

The focus of this article is the reduction of traffic crashes in work construction zone through increased driver anticipation and reaction. Using a driving simulator, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of various striping patterns and color combinations for vehicle mounted attenuators (VMAs) used in work zones during daytime, dusk and nighttime. LCD is used as the criterion, with the variables gender, age group, time of day and pattern. From the four markings assessed, a red and white checkerboard pattern with the highest mean LCD is found to be the most effective pattern for use on VMAs in work zones.