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MUTCD 2009 Edition adopts benefits of sequential warning lights
Unipart Dorman were delighted to see that the 2009 edition of the FHWA MUTCD has adopted the following wording on sequential flashing warning lights
6F.63 12 A series of sequential flashing warning lights may be placed on channelizing devices that form a merging taper in order to increase driver detection and recognition of the merging taper
Hot on the heels of this news , March 2010, Oklahoma DOT expanded deployment of the SynchroGUIDE technology on I40 work zones after excellent feedback from 2009, I35 pilot trials and April 2010 the SWZDI Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative selected SynchroGUIDE for night time work zone testing in Missouri on I70.
The SynchroGUIDE lamp series was designed to be a simply deployed low cost counter measure device which would not only dynamically enhance the visibility of the work zone entrance as in the case of static lamps but at the same time improve driver lane discipline by providing a directional guide.
The SynchroGUIDE combines the latest in LED lamp and lens technology with intelligent synchronization wireless communications technology to enable cone taper deployment lengths of up to 250 synchronized lamps with no master or slave relationships. Rapidly deploy in any order and they will sync.
The ITE compliant lightweight lamps meet the weight and envelope requirements of the NCHRP 350 crash test WZ-54 acceptance letter and can be supplied with or without visors and cone or drum mounting accessories.
The Dorman SynchroGUIDE was originally developed to meet chapter 8 of the UK Highways Agency MUTCD in support of UK traffic management company’s requirements for a high intensity lamp with self-synchronizing technology to enable a guiding wave of light to direct drivers at a change of delineation.
After publication of the TRL Transport Research Laboratory’s independent field trials of sequential flashing cone-lites in April 2005 , the SynchroGUIDE became mandatory for high speed work zones in the UK with over 50,000 units being deployed during 2006. The evidence from the trial showed significant improvement in driver lane discipline on approach to the zone.
During the TRL M42 UK two week night time trial the closed off lane was monitored at various distances from the work zone entrance by inductive loops.
Comparisons of how many vehicles remained in the closed off lane at these distances were taken between deployment of static lamps and SynchroGUIDE.
The graph below shows that an improvement in lane discipline occurred when the SynchroGUIDE was deployed starting at 1500 feet and increasing in significance by up to 50% less vehicles in the closed off lane at 500 feet.
Green Sequential traffic levels in closed off lane, yellow static lamps
Less vehicles in closed off lane during taper would directly correlate to
Less last second decisions manoeuvres
Better work zone throughput
Less risk of accident in the sector of the zone that has the highest current recorded number of fatalities
Though as previously mentioned SynchroGUIDE is only still in its infancy in North America, the recognition of the MUTCD conformant technology in the 2009 edition and the results from Oklahoma and earlier UK independent trials would suggest the technology is one worth investing in to make your work zone safer.