Introduction

Background

Method

Findings

• Possible Solutions
  
• Aggressive Drivers
  
• Aggressive Drivers Are Often Competitive
  
• More Enforcement Wanted by Drivers
  
• Incident and Traffic Management Issues Supported
  
• Work Zone Issues Supported
  
• Operation and Design Issues
  
• Trucks and Cars Complain About Each Other
  
• Public Information and Education Issues

Detailed Findings

General Discussion

Specific Issues

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

Work Zone Issues Supported

Relatively few people believe that construction is a direct cause of many Beltway crashes. Most think construction leads to congestion and in that way may be an indirect cause. Most of the participants said construction signs give enough advance warning, although some said that traffic sometimes backs up beyond the signs, thus negating any advance warning. Others complained about false alarms, warning of construction that is not there when they reach the site.

Opinions were split about 50/50 regarding whether law enforcement presence should be required at major construction sites. Some people think it is a waste of money. Others think the sight of a flashing blue light calls attention to construction and helps slow traffic down to a safe speed.

Almost all participants claimed they slow down in construction zones but few slow down to the speeds shown on the signs. A few remarked that during rush hours a driver is lucky to get up to the posted speed in a construction zone.