Work zones present an increased risk to drivers and the work crew. To mitigate these risks, this study investigated the potential effects of in-vehicle messages to communicate work zone events to the driver. The researchers conducted a work zone safety survey for Minnesota drivers which found that a significant number of drivers make use of smartphones in the automobile, and place these smartphones in various locations within the vehicle.

A driving simulation study was conducted that tested 97 drivers in two different types of work zones. Participants drove through these work zones three times, with a different messaging interface each time to communicate hazardous events to the driver. The interfaces included a roadside portable changeable message sign, a smartphone presenting only auditory messages, and a smartphone presenting audio-visual messages.