VDOT Omnibus Study Wave II

1
VDOT Omnibus StudyWave II
Southeastern Institute of Research

• September 6, 2005

Pulsar Advertising
2
Objectives Methodology
3
Objectives

• Understand citizens expectations and perceptions
  of VDOT on critical issues across all Districts
• Provide guidance for VDOTs outreach
  communications program across all Districts
• Establish a tracking measure for ongoing
  monitoring of perceptions of VDOT across all
  Districts

4
Methodology

• Telephone survey using SIRs Virginia Pulse
• Interview included 5 questions written
  specifically for VDOT and asked of everyone, 2-4
  additional questions for each geographic area,
  and a series of standard demographic and
  classification questions
• 1,200 interviews with random households were
  conducted across 4 geographic regions
• Northern Virginia (Virginia portion of Metro DC
  market)
• Central (Richmond/Petersburg)
• Eastern (Norfolk/Virginia Beach/ Hampton/Newport
  News)
• Western (Roanoke/Lynchburg/Danville/Martinsville)
• 300 interviews conducted in each region
• Interviews conducted July 29-August 5

5
Methodology

• The first wave of the VDOT Omnibus Study was
  reported in January 2005
• While this wave is comparable to the earlier
  wave, some questions have changed. When
  appropriate, this report compares the current and
  previous wave

6
Questions Asked of Everyone

• In which of the following ways have you come into
  contact with VDOT during the past year?
• Overall, how familiar would you say you are with
  VDOT and the work it does?
• How satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
• To what extent do you trust VDOT to do the right
  thing for the people of Virginia in regard to
  managing the states road and highway system?
• How satisfied are you with VDOT in regard to
• Working with communities, stakeholders, and
  businesses to plan for Virginias future
  transportation needs
• Maintenance and construction of the roadways and
  highways across Virginia
• Traffic management and incident response
• Management of public funds in regard to the road
  and highway system in Virginia
• Being responsive to the needs and preferences of
  the citizens of Virginia
• Communicating to you

7
Additional Questions in Western Virginia

• Are you aware that motorists stopped and ticketed
  for speeding on a section of Interstate 81 near
  Roanoke, known as the Highway Safety Corridor,
  may have to pay significantly increased fines?
• If you have driven on that part of I-81, how has
  your driving behavior been affected?

8
Additional Questions in Central Virginia

• Are you aware that motorists stopped and ticketed
  for speeding on a section of Interstate 95 in the
  City of Richmond and Henrico County from near
  Bells Road to near Parham Road, known as the
  Highway Safety Corridor, may have to pay
  significantly increased fines?
• If you have driven on that part of I-95, how has
  your driving behavior been affected?

9
Additional Questions in Eastern Virginia

• Think about the construction on I-64 near the
  Hampton Coliseum. How would you describe the
  amount of information you have read or heard from
  VDOT over the past six months about
  transportation and traffic issues in that area?
• Where did you read or hear this information?

10
Additional Questions in Northern Virginia

• Are you aware that motorists stopped and ticketed
  for speeding on a section of Interstate 95 in
  Prince William County, known as the Highway
  Safety Corridor, may have to pay significantly
  increased fines?
• If you have driven on that part of I-95, how has
  your driving behavior been affected?
• How would you describe the amount of information
  you have read or seen from VDOT over the past
  year about transportation and traffic issues in
  the area of the Springfield Interchange?
• Where did you read or hear this information?

11
Methodology

• The process by which communication works can be
  diagrammed as

Awareness (Contact with VDOT)
The process begins by growing awareness of VDOT.
Then, it builds understanding (familiarity) and a
positive perception (satisfaction) which leads
to trust.
Familiarity
Favorability (Satisfaction)
Trust
12
Detailed Findings

• Outline of Presentation
• Contact with VDOT
• Familiarity with VDOT
• Overall Satisfaction
• Trust in VDOT
• Satisfaction with Specific Attributes and
  Responsibilities
• Information about Construction
• Opinion Leaders
• Highway Safety Corridors

13
Contact with VDOT
14
VDOT Continues to Have a Far-Reaching Presence
More than 9 of 10 Virginians Have Had Contact
with VDOT in the Past Year
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
15
The Level Of Contact with VDOT Continues to be
High Across All Regions
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
16
Residents Continue to Interact with VDOT in a
Variety of Ways
At 23, searching the VDOT website is twice the
level it was last wave (11).
But, just as in the previous wave, they continue
to be recipients of the interaction rather than
initiators.
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
17
The Pattern of Contact with VDOT Is Fairly
Consistent Across the State, with a Few
Exceptions

• Western Virginians are much less likely to have
  read or heard about VDOT in the news and to have
  encountered electronic message boards on Virginia
  highways
• Western Virginians are much less likely to have
  searched the VDOT website, whereas Northern
  Virginians are much more likely to have searched
  the VDOT website
• Northern Virginians are much more likely to have
  received mail from VDOT
• Eastern Virginians are much more likely to have
  called 511 or the Highway Helpline

18
Almost Half Have Had Personal
Contact with VDOT
Personal contact is defined as those who have
called or visited a VDOT office, called 511 or
the Highway Helpline, searched the VDOT website,
attended a VDOT-run public meeting, received mail
from VDOT, or sent a letter or email to VDOT.
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
19
Residents of Northern Virginia Are More Likely to
Have Had Personal Contact with VDOT
Personal contact is defined as those who have
called or visited a VDOT office, called 511 or
the Highway Helpline, searched the VDOT website,
attended a VDOT-run public meeting, received mail
from VDOT, or sent a letter or email to VDOT.
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
20
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion VDOT continues to be pervasive across
  the Commonwealth, touching the lives of
  Virginians in a variety of ways.
• Implication VDOTs strong presence across the
  state offers both opportunity and responsibility
  for VDOT communications. It offers real
  opportunity to provide factual information about
  Virginia roadways to help improve both daily
  commutes and other trips throughout the state.
  This frequent contact is also an important
  responsibility for VDOT, especially VDOT
  communications, because it is a powerful way to
  shape and frame perceptions and imagery of VDOT.

21
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion Some residents of Virginia have had
  personal contact with VDOT, defined as calling
  or visiting a VDOT office, calling 511 or the
  Highway Helpline, searching the VDOT website,
  attending a VDOT-run public meeting, receiving
  mail from VDOT, or sending a letter or email to
  VDOT. Others have only had general contact
  with VDOT, such as encountering a VDOT road crew
  or seeing an electronic message board. About
  half have had personal contact with VDOT, and
  half have experienced only general contact.
• Implication These two different kinds of contact
  can be very different individual experiences and
  have different outcomes in terms of perceptions
  and imagery of VDOT. This analysis will identify
  and examine some of these differences.

22
Familiarity with VDOT
23
There Is Opportunity to Educate Residents of
Virginia about VDOT and the Work It Does
21 are not familiar with VDOT and its work.
A third, 33, rate their familiarity with VDOT at
midway between 1 (Not very familiar) and 5
(Very familiar).
About half (47) say that they are familiar with
VDOT.
Question Overall, how familiar would you say
you are with VDOT and the work it does?
24
Respondents in Western Virginia Are Most Likely
to Be Familiar with VDOT Respondents in Northern
Virginia Are Least Likely
54
50
46
Recall that residents of Northern Virginia are
the most likely to have personal contact with
VDOT.
40
Question Overall, how familiar would you say
you are with VDOT and the work it does?
25
Those Who Have Had Personal Contact with VDOT
Are More Familiar with VDOT and Its Work than
Those with Only General Contact or No Contact
At All
Personal contact is defined as those who have
called or visited a VDOT office, called 511 or
the Highway Helpline, searched the VDOT website,
attended a VDOT-run public meeting, received mail
from VDOT, or sent a letter or email to VDOT.
58
38
40
Question Overall, how familiar would you say
you are with VDOT and the work it does?
26
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion Almost half rate themselves as highly
  familiar with VDOT and the work that it does.
  Western Virginians are most familiar with VDOT,
  and Northern Virginians are least. Personal
  contact with VDOT increases familiarity with
  VDOT and the work it does although this
  relationship does not appear to hold true in
  Northern Virginia.
• Implication In order to increase familiarity
  with VDOT and the work it does, focus on
  personal contact, such as through VDOT offices,
  helplines, websites, meetings, and mailings.
  These are contact situations in which VDOT and
  VDOT communications can potentially control the
  outcome by managing content, tone and the
  citizen experience.
• Explore further the concept of personal contact
  and the role it plays in building VDOT
  perceptions and imagery. Examine different types
  of personal contact, such as internet vs. direct
  mail. Examine also the role of the tone of the
  contact (positive vs. negative, such as a citizen
  with a complaint).

27
Overall Satisfaction
28
Only about 4 Out of 10 Residents Are Satisfied
with VDOT Overall
An additional one-third (38) could most easily
improve their ratings to a satisfactory level.
This group currently gives VDOT a midpoint
satisfactory rating of 3.
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
29
Greatest Opportunity to Improve VDOTs Overall
Satisfaction Rating Is in Eastern Virginia
54
46
28
44
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
30
Those Who Have Had Personal Contact with VDOT Are
Not More Likely to Be Satisfied than Those with
General or No Contact
Personal contact is defined as those who have
called or visited a VDOT office, called 511 or
the Highway Helpline, searched the VDOT website,
attended a VDOT-run public meeting, received mail
from VDOT, or sent a letter or email to VDOT.
Some of those with personal contact may have had
contact with VDOT due to a complaint or problem.
39
46
48
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
31
Those Most Familiar with VDOT Are Most Likely to
Be Satisfied with VDOT
The relationship between contact and satisfaction
is not straightforward it involves familiarity.
Familiar rated their familiarity with VDOT 4
or 5 on a 1-5 scale. Not Familiar rated it
1, 2, or 3.
49
38
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
32
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion Less than half of Virginia residents
  (43) are satisfied with VDOT overall, and an
  additional third rate their satisfaction at a
  midpoint on a 5-point scale. Satisfaction is
  related to familiarity. Those who are familiar
  with VDOT and the work it does are more likely to
  be satisfied with VDOT.
• Implication There is real opportunity to improve
  VDOT satisfaction ratings. In particular, take
  advantage of the opportunity presented by
  citizens whose ratings are currently at the
  midpoint. Improve their satisfaction by
  growing their familiarity with VDOT. Use
  communications to inform them, educate them and
  shape their perceptions. Focus specifically in
  Eastern Virginia where the need is greatest.

33
Trust in VDOT
34
VDOTs Level of Trust Equity Is about the Same as
the Level of Satisfaction
44 rate their trust of VDOT a 4 or 5 on a
5-point scale. 23 rate their trust only a 1
or 2. But, a third (34) are in a midrange
level and could be converted to a stronger
position of trust.
Question To what extent do you trust VDOT to do
the right thing for the people of Virginia in
regard to managing the states road and highway
system?
35
Those Who Have Had Personal Contact with VDOT Are
Not More Likely to Trust VDOT than Those with
General or No Contact
Personal contact is defined as those who have
called or visited a VDOT office, called 511 or
the Highway Helpline, searched the VDOT website,
attended a VDOT-run public meeting, received mail
from VDOT, or sent a letter or email to VDOT.
39
46
52
Question To what extent do you trust VDOT to do
the right thing for the people of Virginia in
regard to managing the states road and highway
system?
36
VDOTs Trust Equity Is Stronger Among Those Who
Are Familiar with VDOT
Familiar rated their familiarity 4 or 5 on
a 1-5 scale. Not Familiar rated it 1, 2, or
3.
46
40
Question To what extent do you trust VDOT to do
the right thing for the people of Virginia in
regard to managing the states road and highway
system?
37
Trust in VDOT Is Related to Overall Satisfaction
Respondents Who Are Satisfied with VDOT Also
Tend to Trust VDOT
Satisfied rated their overall satisfaction with
VDOT 4 or 5 on a 1-5 scale. Not Satisfied
rated it 1, 2, or 3.
69
10
Question To what extent do you trust VDOT to do
the right thing for the people of Virginia in
regard to managing the states road and highway
system?
38
Greatest Opportunity to Improve Trust in VDOT Is
in Eastern Virginia
52
52
28
42
Question To what extent do you trust VDOT to do
the right thing for the people of Virginia in
regard to managing the states road and highway
system?
39
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion Trust and satisfaction go
  hand-in-hand. Those who are satisfied with VDOT
  are more likely to trust VDOT. Additionally and
  as with overall satisfaction, those who are most
  familiar with VDOT are the most trusting.
  Residents of Eastern Virginia are less trusting
  than those of other areas.
• Implication Trust equity again demonstrates the
  importance of increasing residents familiarity
  with VDOT and the work it does. Contact alone
  does not guarantee increased familiarity,
  satisfaction or trust. Use communications to
  manage the content, tone and outcome of VDOTs
  contact with citizens. Use communications to
  increase familiarity with VDOT to enhance and
  grow trust equity. Again, efforts need to focus
  on Eastern Virginia, which presents the greatest
  opportunity for improvement.

40
Satisfaction with Specific Attributes and
Responsibilities
41
The Highest Levels of Satisfaction with VDOT Are
Related to Traffic Management and Communication
48
45
33
31
30
28
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to
42
Satisfaction with VDOT in Terms of Traffic
Management and Incident Response Is Related to
Overall Satisfaction and Trust
Proportions are based to those who are either
satisfied or not satisfied with VDOT in terms of
traffic management and incident response.
Overall Satisfaction
Trust
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to traffic management and incident
response, including such things as signal timing,
placement of road signs and clearing accidents
and roadway obstructions?
43
Those Who Are Satisfied with VDOTs Planning for
Future Needs Are More Likely to Be Satisfied with
VDOT Overall and to Have a Higher Level of Trust
Proportions are based to those who are either
satisfied or not satisfied with VDOTs planning
for future needs.
Overall Satisfaction
Trust
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to working with communities,
stakeholders and businesses to plan for
Virginias future transportation needs?
44
Satisfaction with VDOTs Roadway Maintenance and
Construction Is Positively Related to Trust and
Overall Satisfaction
Proportions are based to those who are either
satisfied or not satisfied with VDOT in terms of
maintenance and construction.
Overall Satisfaction
Trust
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to maintenance and construction of the
roadways and highways across Virginia, including
ensuring quality design and completion of
projects on time and on budget?
45
Those Who Are Satisfied with VDOTs Management of
Public Funds Are Particularly Likely to Trust VDOT
Proportions are based to those who are either
satisfied or not satisfied with VDOT in terms of
management of public funds.
Overall Satisfaction
Trust
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to management of public funds in regard
to the road and highway system in Virginia?
46
Satisfaction with VDOTs Responsiveness Is
Positively Related to Overall Satisfaction and
Trust
Proportions are based to those who are either
satisfied or not satisfied with VDOT in terms of
management of public funds.
Overall Satisfaction
Trust
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to being responsive to the needs and
preferences of the citizens of Virginia?
47
Those Who Are Satisfied with VDOTs Communication
Are Also More Likely to Be Satisfied Overall and
to Trust VDOT
Proportions are based to those who are either
satisfied or not satisfied with VDOT in terms of
communi-cating about transporta-tion changes.
Overall Satisfaction
Trust
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to communicating to you, that is
keeping you informed about transportation changes
that impact you?
48
Eastern Virginia Rates VDOT Least Favorably

• Of all regions, Eastern Virginia tends to post
  the lowest levels of satisfaction. Residents in
  this area rate VDOT lower than the other areas on
  all six attributes measured.
• Western and Central Virginia rate VDOT most
  favorably.
• Northern Virginia sometimes mirrors Central and
  Western Virginia. On other measures, it more
  clearly reflects the views of Eastern Virginia.

Satisfaction with VDOT in regard to these items
varies by region.
49
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion From a list of specific functions and
  responsibilities, VDOT is rated most favorably
  for traffic management and communicating to
  citizens. Satisfaction scores on specific
  functions are most favorable in Western Virginia.
  Residents of Eastern Virginia are least
  satisfied with VDOTs performance on all six of
  the functions.
• Implication Efforts to improve perceptions of
  VDOT in regard to specific functions should focus
  on Eastern Virginia. This area demonstrates real
  need for improvement. Continue to explore and
  develop ways of using communications to enhance
  citizen perceptions in Eastern Virginia.

50
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion Satisfaction with VDOT on a series of
  six attributes or functions is related to
  overall satisfaction and VDOTs trust equity.
  Satisfaction with VDOTs management of public
  funds is particularly important, especially for
  growing trust.
• Implication Utilize the importance of these
  attributes to guide the development and use of
  communications and communication pieces. Use
  these attributes to establish objectives for
  specific communications and to evaluate the
  content, tone, target audience, and so forth of
  proposed communications.

51
Information about Construction
52
Residents in Northern Virginia Tend to Have
Received the Information They Have Needed in
Regard to the Springfield Interchange
There is still opportunity for improvement. 23
have received less information than they have
needed.
56
23
This question was asked of respondents in
Northern Virginia.
Question How would you describe the amount of
information you have read or seen from VDOT over
the past year about transportation and traffic
issues in the area of the Springfield
Interchange?
53
Residents in Eastern Virginia Have Not Received
Sufficient Information about the I-64
Construction
34
44
This question was asked of respondents in Eastern
Virginia.
Question Think about the construction on I-64
near the Hampton Coliseum. How would you describe
the amount of information you have read or heard
from VDOT over the past six months about
transportation and traffic issues in that area?
54
Residents of Northern Virginia Feel Better
Informed than Those in Eastern Virginia
And, residents of Northern Virginia have higher
levels of trust and satisfaction than those in
Eastern Virginia.
Question How would you describe the amount of
information you have read or heard from VDOT over
the past six months about transportation and
traffic issues in the Hampton Roads/Springfield
Interchange area?
55
Eastern Virginians Who Have Received Information
About I-64 Construction Are Twice as Likely to Be
Satisfied with VDOT than Those Who Have Not and
They Are More Likely to Trust VDOT
Proportions are based to those who have received
sufficient information or have not received
sufficient information.
Overall Satisfaction
Trust
Question Think about the construction on I-64
near the Hampton Coliseum. How would you describe
the amount of information you have read or heard
from VDOT over the past six months about
transportation and traffic issues in that area?
56
There Is No Clear Relationship between Perception
of Level of Information about Springfield
Interchange and Overall Satisfaction and Trust
Proportions are based to those who have received
sufficient information or have not received
sufficient information.
Overall Satisfaction
Trust
Question How would you describe the amount of
information you have read or heard from VDOT over
the past six months about transportation and
traffic issues in the Hampton Roads/Springfield
Interchange area?
57
The Newspaper Is the Most Common Source of This
Information in Both Regions Northern Virginians,
However, Are More Likely to Get Their Information
from the Radio or Internet than Are Eastern
Virginians
Question Where did you read or hear this
information?
58
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion Residents of Northern Virginia feel
  better informed about construction in the area of
  the Springfield Interchange than do residents of
  Eastern Virginia in regard to I-64 construction.
  Receiving adequate information about construction
  and maintenance appears to be related to
  satisfaction with and trust of VDOT. Those in
  Northern Virginia where they are more likely
  than Eastern Virginia to have received sufficient
  information report higher levels of
  satisfaction and trust.
• Implication Compare campaigns, tactics,
  strategies and contexts of the Springfield
  Interchange project and the I-64 construction
  near the Hampton Coliseum to better understand
  how and to what extent to communicate to
  residents on large-scale construction projects,
  noting that communications for the Springfield
  Interchange have been in place for eight years.
  Look for strengths and weaknesses in both
  programs to gain insight into how to develop and
  manage similar future programs.

59
Opinion Leaders
60
Opinion Leaders Exercise Power and Influence

• Opinion Leaders are individuals whose influence
  on business, social, political, environmental and
  educational issues far exceeds their numbers in
  the population. Because they influence others,
  Opinion Leaders possess power.
• Opinion Leaders are identified by their
  participation in public, community, social,
  political, health/medicine, arts,
  science/technology, business, religious and other
  activities.
• This research identifies Opinion Leaders
  according to their participation in a
  predetermined list of activities. In order to
  qualify as an Opinion Leader, a respondent must
  have participated in at least 2 of the activities
  over the past 12 months.

61
Opinion Leaders Are More Likely To Have Contact
with VDOT
Opinion leaders are defined as people who have
participated in at least 2 community and public
activities during the last 12 months.
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
62
Opinion Leaders Have More of Every Type of
Contact Than Non-Leaders
Opinion leaders are defined as people who have
participated in at least 2 community and public
activities during the last 12 months.
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
63
Opinion Leaders Are Much More Likely To Have Had
Personal Contact with VDOT Than Non-Leaders
Personal contact is defined as those who have
called or visited a VDOT office, called 511 or
the Highway Helpline, searched the VDOT website,
attended a VDOT-run public meeting, received mail
from VDOT, or sent a letter or email to VDOT.
Opinion leaders are defined as people who have
participated in at least 2 community and public
activities during the last 12 months.
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
64
Opinion Leaders Are More Familiar with VDOT and
the Work that It Does
Opinion leaders are defined as people who have
participated in at least 2 community and public
activities during the last 12 months.
57
41
Question Overall, how familiar would you say
you are with VDOT and the work it does?
65
Opinion Leaders Are Less Satisfied with VDOT
Overall
Opinion leaders are defined as people who have
participated in at least 2 community and public
activities during the last 12 months.
36
47
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
66
Opinion Leaders Are Also Less Satisfied on Every
Specific Attribute than Non-Leaders
Opinion leaders are defined as people who have
participated in at least 2 community and public
activities during the last 12 months.
Percentages indicate those reporting that their
satisfaction with each item is a 4 or 5.
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to
67
Opinion Leaders Are
Less Trusting of VDOT
Opinion leaders are defined as people who have
participated in at least 2 community and public
activities during the last 12 months.
36
48
Question To what extent do you trust VDOT to do
the right thing for the people of Virginia in
regard to managing the states road and highway
system?
68
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion Opinion leaders are more
  knowledgeable about VDOT than are non-leaders.
  They make more contact, and in more personal
  ways. They also report being more familiar with
  VDOT and the work that it does. They are,
  however, less satisfied both overall and on
  each specific attribute and less trusting of
  VDOT.
• Implication Opinion Leaders can be a great asset
  to VDOT or a great liability simply because
  they have the ability to influence others. VDOT
  does not appear to be taking full advantage of
  this opportunity. Benefit from the contact VDOT
  already has with Opinion Leaders and reach out to
  touch them even more regularly and positively.
  Understand their specific needs and perspectives,
  develop communications that address these needs,
  and make them advocates for VDOT.

69
Highway Safety Corridors
70
The Highway Safety Corridors in Western VA and
Central VA Are Better Known than the One in
Northern VA
Percentages reflect those in each region that
reported that they are aware of the increased
fines in each Corridor.
Question Are you aware that motorists stopped
and ticketed for speeding on a section of
Interstate SPECIFY, known as the Highway Safety
Corridor, may have to pay significantly increased
fines?
71
About a Third of Those Aware of the Increased
Fine Are Driving More Safely
Question asked of respondents who were aware of
increased fine.
In the previous wave of the study, the same
proportion (37) in Western Virginia reported
paying closer attention to the posted speeds.
Question If you have driven that part of
SPECIFY, how has your driving behavior been
affected?
72
All Three Regions Experienced Improvement Among
Drivers Who Could Change Their Behavior
Proportions shown are based to audience members
who potentially could change behavior for safer
driving. Those who do not drive in Highway
Safety Corridor or have always driven within
the speed limits are excluded. Question asked
of respondents who were aware of increased fine.
Question If you have driven that part of
SPECIFY, how has your driving behavior been
affected?
73
Awareness of the Highway Safety Corridor on I-81
Near Roanoke Has Increased Slighlty But Not
Significantly Since the First Wave of the Study
Graph reports awareness of Highway Safety
Corridor on I-81 Near Roanoke ask of
respondents in Western Region.
Question Are you aware that motorists stopped
and ticketed for speeding on a section of
Interstate SPECIFY, known as the Highway Safety
Corridor, may have to pay significantly increased
fines?
74
In Both Waves I and II, Over One-third of Those
in Western Virginia Aware of the Increased Fine
Are Driving More Safely
Graph reports impact of Highway Safety Corridor
on I-81 Near Roanoke on driving ask of
respondents in Western Region aware of increased
fine.
Question If you have driven that part of
SPECIFY, how has your driving behavior been
affected?
75
In Both Waves I and II, Over One-third of Those
Aware of the Increased Fine Are Driving More
Safely
Graph reports impact of Highway Safety Corridor
on I-81 Near Roanoke on driving ask of
respondents in Western Region aware of increased
fine. Proportions are based to audience members
who potentially could change behavior.
Question If you have driven that part of
SPECIFY, how has your driving behavior been
affected?
76
Conclusion Implication

• Conclusion Drivers do respond to the Highway
  Safety Corridor program. About one third of the
  drivers in each of the three regions that have a
  Highway Safety Corridor program have changed
  their behavior as a result of the program. About
  half of residents in Western and Central Virginia
  are aware of the Highway Safety Corridor in their
  area. Fewer, however, are aware of the Highway
  Safety Corridor in Northern Virginia.
• Implication The Highway Safety Corridor program
  continues to have a positive impact on the
  driving behavior of those aware of the program.
  But, there continues to be opportunity to
  increase the effectiveness of the program. In
  fact, VDOT could potentially double the impact of
  this program by continuing to build awareness
  since only about half are aware (assuming all in
  a given region drive along the corridors where
  Highway Safety Corridors have been established).
  Continue the outreach communications campaign to
  take advantage of this opportunity.

77
Appendix
78
Appendix

• The graphs in this section compare results of key
  measures across the 4 regions Western, Central,
  Eastern and Northern Virginia

79
Western Virginians Tend to Have General, Rather
than Personal, Contact with VDOT
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
80
Central Virginians Also Tend to Have General
Contact
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
81
Those in Eastern Virginia Experience Contact with
VDOT in a Variety of Ways But, It Tends to Be
General Contact, Rather than Personal
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
82
As in Other Parts of Virginia, Residents of
Northern Virginia Are More Likely to Have General
Contact
Question In which of the following ways have
you come into contact with VDOT during the past
year?
83
Over Half (54) in Western Virginia Are Satisfied
with VDOT
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
84
Nearly Half 46 in Central Virginia Are
Satisfied with VDOT Overall
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
85
Satisfaction with VDOT Is Lowest in Eastern
Virginia (28)
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
86
44 in Northern Virginia Are Satisfied with VDOT
Question On a scale of 1-5 where 1 means not
at all satisfied and 5 means very satisfied,
how satisfied are you with VDOT overall?
87
Residents of Western Virginia Are Most Satisfied
with VDOT in Regard to Planning for Future
Transportation Needs Residents of Eastern
Virginia Are Least Satisfied
42
32
21
29
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to working with communities, stakeholders,
and businesses to plan for Virginias future
transportation needs?
88
Residents of Eastern Virginia Are Also Least
Satisfied with VDOT in Regard To Maintenance and
Construction
37
35
13
34
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to maintenance and construction of the
roadways and highways across Virginia, including
ensuring quality design and completion of
projects on time and on budget?
89
Again, Residents of Eastern Virginia Are Least
Satisfied with VDOT in Regard To Traffic
Management and Incident Response
52
52
41
47
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to traffic management and incident
response, including such things as signal timing,
placement of road signs and clearing accidents
and roadway obstructions?
90
Residents of Eastern Virginia Are Least Satisfied
with VDOT in Regard to Management of Public Funds
35
33
19
27
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to management of public funds in regard
to the road and highway system in Virginia?
91
Again, Residents of Eastern Virginia Are Least
Satisfied with VDOT in Regard to Being Responsive
to the Needs and Preferences of the Citizens of
Virginia
42
41
24
30
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to being responsive to the needs and
preferences of the citizens of Virginia?
92
Residents of Eastern Virginia Are Least Satisfied
with VDOT in Regard to Communication
51
46
37
46
Question How satisfied are you with VDOT in
regard to communicating to you, that iskeeping
you informed about transportation changes that
impact you?