09-10-07 Item 7D, Clear Channel - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Increasingly complex traffic and roadway enviromnents require greater attention to and focus on the driving task. The purpose of this study is to understand what existing transportation research tells us about the effects of dvnamic signs on motorists, This study also explores regulatory measures enacted in other jurisdictions to address concerns related to driver distraction. Due to time and scope constraints, this report is not comprehensive, but rather addresses the most frequently cited and easily accessible information available, The report concludes with a discussion of regulatory options for the City of Minnetonka to consider in their formulation of policies to address dynamic signage. Information collected for this report draws from a variety of sources including interviews with subject matter experts, government and academic rcsearch, and policies developed to regulate various types of signage. Several city and county sign ordinances were used as references for policy and regulatory research, In some cases, ordinances were brought to our attention by planners and others following the sign ordinance issue. In others, Internet searches were conducted using words and references that apply specifically to dynamic signs_ Several sign manufacturers and sign companies provided an industry perspective through a workshop with the SRF Consulting Group and the City of Minnetonka staff on February 27, 2007. This meeting yielded information about sign characteristics that can be addressed through policy and regulatory measures. Daktronics, a company that manufactures and markets LED signs, was also helpful in this regard, providing informational materials about characteristics of signs that can be regulated and examples of city sign ordinances with which they are familiar. 3.0 SELECTED RESEARCH FINDINGS This following section presents a summary of expert opinions and selected driver distraction research conducted by government and academic researchers examining roadside signage and its effects on the driving task, Studies are organized around critical questions with serious research ramifications. . Is there reason to believe that billboards are a source of distraction? . Is there reason to believe that "dynamic" billboards are an additional source of distraction? . How much distraction is a problem? . How does "brightness" affect driver safety concerns? . How should billboards and other signage be regulatedfrom a driver safety perspective? A5