Comprehensive Study on CMV Safety Using ITS in Work Zones on Freeways and Arterials

Work zones pose significant safety challenges on highways, with Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) being particularly susceptible to higher risk due to their larger size, slower acceleration/deceleration rates, and expanded blind spots. This study aimed to assess the impact of various work zone warning measures on the driving behavior of CMV operators. These measures encompassed static work zone signs, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) warning devices, connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies, as well as autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies. Over 50 subjects participated in this research to drive a simulated network in a driving simulator environment featuring three distinct work zones. A total of 20 scenarios, incorporating different traffic patterns, lighting options, and weather conditions, were utilized to observe driver’s behavior under various warning systems.