FEASIBILITY AND CONCEPT SELECTION OF A SAFETY HAZARD ADVANCE WARNING SYSTEM (SHAWS)--VOLUME I--EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The document presents the analysis of the highway traffic situations pertinent to this study and identifies the set of design and operational requirements for the Safety Hazard Advance Warning System (SHAWS). It describes alternative approaches to the development of a practical concept for SHAWS and identifies the most appropriate technological and operational form. The document further presents the results of the preliminary design and development of the electronic components using pulse position modulation of a carrier signal in the low band of the VHF designation of the communication frequencies. A discussion of the frequency selection considerations of receiver cost and transmitter power requirements is present. System circuit options are included. Considerations of the human factors aspects of driver response and operational effectiveness of SHAWS are addressed. Lastly, a preliminary cost and benefit analysis is presented. The report concludes that SHAWS, in its electronic "flare" configuration, is technically feasible, cost effective and implementable over the nation's vehicle fleets operating on rural and secondary roads. (FHWA)

• Corporate Authors:

  Commonwealth Research Corporation

  11703 Bowman Green Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  22090

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Research, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Meyer, J R
  • Reaser, J M
  • KELLER, R
  • Wilson, R A
  • Vadeboncoeur, J R
• Publication Date: 1982-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 22 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Design; Electronics; Farm tractors; Feasibility analysis; Rural highways; Secondary roads; Very high frequency; Warning systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Safety hazard advance warning system
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00377241
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-81-123 Final Rpt., FCP 39D5-012
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-80-C-00084
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 1983 12:00AM