Researchers: Kevin Balke, Ph.D., P.E. and Laura Higgins

Sponsor: Texas Department of Transportation

Several flood-related fatalities in the state each year result from drivers being trapped in their cars or washed away after they drove into water covering a road, demonstrating a need for solutions that would discourage drivers from entering flooded roadway sites. Researchers conducted focus groups to learn about factors that influence driver decisions to cross (or not cross) water covering a road and to determine the types of information that drivers find necessary or helpful to make safe decisions about flooded roadways. The results led to the selection of several sign styles and messages that were then tested in comprehension surveys, allowing the research team to identify the most effective signing treatments to use. The recommended signing treatments included both static and active options – static warning signs and flood gauges as a standard treatment, with optional active (flashing-beacon) signs for high-risk flood sites.

For more information contact Laura Higgins.