USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation
OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER

Intersection Conflict Warning System Human Factors: Final Report

Publication Information

Publication Type:
Report
Publication Number:
FHWA-HRT-16-061
Abstract:

This study was performed to provide empirical evidence to support standardization of ICWS messaging and sign placement. Data were obtained from 189 licensed drivers in a four-part laboratory study. The wordings that best conveyed the intent of the ICWSs’ message and were most preferred by the participants were “CROSS TRAFFIC AHEAD” on the major approach and “CROSS TRAFFIC” or “EXPECT CROSS TRAFFIC” on the minor, stop-controlled approach.

 

Intersection conflict warning systems (ICWSs) have been implemented across several States to warn drivers on the through lanes of the presence of traffic at stop-controlled cross streets and to warn drivers at stop-controlled approaches of the presence of traffic on the through lanes. Before-after studies have shown crash reductions ranging from 3.5 to more than 19 percent at installation sites at rural two-way stop-controlled intersections. However, there has been a lack of standardization of the wording placed on the ICWS message signs and the placement of the signs.
 

Publishing Date:
November 2016
Author(s):
Jackson, Steven
FHWA Program(s):
Research
Safety
AMRP Program(s):
Safety Data and Analysis
FHWA Activities:
Highway Safety Information System
Subject Area:
Safety and Human Factors