Investigation of truck mounted attenuator (TMA) crashes in work zones in Virginia.

Cottrell, Benjamin H. Jr. · 2015 · ROSA P / Virginia Transportation Research Council

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Summary

This study investigates crashes involving Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) in work zones in Virginia, motivated by a perceived increase in such incidents and a fatal crash in 2013. The research aimed to review crash trends from 2011 to 2014 and identify causal factors to improve safety for both motorists and TMA operators. The methodology combined a literature review, an email survey of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff and contractors, and a detailed analysis of crash data. Researchers compiled confirmed TMA crashes from VDOT’s Roadway Network System and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ records for the years 2011–2014. They also gathered data on the frequency of work zones using TMAs from VDOT’s VaTraffic system to assess traffic exposure. Field reviews were conducted to observe TMA visibility and placement compliance with the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual. The analysis revealed that TMA crashes increased between 2011 and 2014, with the majority occurring on interstate highways within the Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Richmond districts. Despite this increase, TMA crashes accounted for less than 1% of all work zone crashes in Virginia during the study period. The typical incident involved a contractor-operated TMA vehicle being struck from the rear by a male driver in a passenger vehicle. Survey results and data analysis identified driver inattention or behavior, road geometrics and sight distance, mobile operations, and failure to follow the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual as primary contributing factors. The study noted that while mobile operations are suspected to be higher risk due to fewer warning devices, there was no clear-cut solution to eliminate these crashes. The authors concluded that while TMA crashes are rare relative to total work zone incidents, they frequently result in injuries to at least two individuals: the striking motorist and the TMA operator. To mitigate these risks, the study recommended that VDOT mandate TMA operator training and share crash data with regions experiencing high incident rates. Additionally, the report suggested reviewing operational practices, such as having the first TMA vehicle straddle the lane rather than sit fully within it, and adjusting vehicle spacing near ramps during mobile operations. Finally, the authors advocated for media and outreach campaigns focused on distracted driving to enhance awareness of mobile work zones.

Key finding

TMA crashes increased from 2011 to 2014 and were primarily caused by driver inattention, road geometry, mobile operations, and failure to follow the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual.

Methodology

dataset

Provenance

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Topics

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• emergency work zone conspicuity
• work zones

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: crash risk outcomes