Using Real-Time Data from Road Weather Information Systems (RWISs) to Affect Driver Behavior During Inclement Weather – Part I

Details

• Creators:
  Fay, Laura ; Villwock-Witte, Natalie
• Corporate Creators:
  Western Transportation Institute
• Corporate Contributors:
  New Mexico. Department of Transportation. Research Bureau
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Driving Behavior Intelligent Transportation Systems Real Time Information Road Weather Information Systems Variable Message Signs Variable Speed Limits Weather Conditions
• Publication/ Report Number:
  NM17-SAF-01
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States ; New Mexico
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  New Mexico. Department of Transportation
• Abstract:
  During inclement weather, there are numerous vehicle crashes that occur on Interstate 40 (I-40) in New Mexico near the Continental Divide at “Top of the World” (mm 50). A major contributing factor in the vicinity of the “Top of the World” as identified by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) based on crash report information is the failure of drivers to reduce their speed to a level at which they can maintain control of their vehicle. The objective of this project was to determine the feasibility of using the existing road weather information system (RWIS) data in conjunction with a variable speed limit (VSL) system to influence motorist behavior with the goal of reducing crashes in the vicinity. To accomplish this a literature search, interviews of other state department of transportation (DOT) personnel and local transportation agencies and a survey of NMDOT personnel were conducted. Based on this effort VSL systems were identified as a cost-effective technology that can be used to improve safety, reduce speeds, and reduce crash rates in hot spots or corridors with high crash rates. In this report, information has been summarized on the use of RWIS data used in the VSL system, infrastructure and hardware architecture needs for VSL systems, advisory versus enforced VSL, signage and recommended sign locations for VSL and supplemental informational signs, recommended speeds for various conditions, the application of urban versus rural VSL, Operation Plans and Concept of Operations developed for VSL systems, driver feedback to reinforce VSL implementation, and the role of law enforcement in the successful implementation of VSL. The interviews and survey conducted for this project highlighted the importance of educating the public, establishing an effective communication team with a point person at the DOT, and creating a stakeholder group early on in the process that engages all potential users/owners, law enforcement, etc. to ensure the success of the VSL system. The researchers also gathered information and considered intelligent transportation systems beyond VSL including dynamic speed feedback signs and advisory information provided by Dynamic Message Sign (DMS). Recommendations for moving forward include moving to Phase II of Using Real-Time Data from Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) to Affect Driver Behavior During Inclement Weather. Recommended steps include: 1) analyze crash data to provide recommended bounds of the application area, 2) obtain access to and analyze the usability of RWIS data for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) alternatives, 3) perform outreach to law enforcement and the maintenance shed responsible for the identified road segment to discuss potential roles and responsibilities of alternative ITS options, 4) work with NMDOT to determine the extent of fiber optic cable, as highlighted in numerous other DOT interviews as imperative to communication, 5) determine placement, if applicable, of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) in the area, 6) investigate horizontal and vertical curvature of the segment which may influence the recommended ITS solution, and 7) review and map locations of existing speed limit and advisory signs within the identified segment. Any implemented system would be one of the first of its kind on a rural interstate in New Mexico. There are other potential ITS applications (i.e. dust storms in southern New Mexico) that could learn from any ITS implementation at Top of the World. Therefore, the researchers recommend that NMDOT perform an evaluation study of any implemented ITS.
• Format:
  PDF
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:3f8853611a067e217c7051d5b4a7345b0866df4a027506cc0d4a44512458af11d06118ec5564c170996ccc1cc33640c86968aa0c7879e1183077a84db3727248
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/87107/dot_87107_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 940.06 KB ]