Rhode Island Transportation System in Natural or Human-Caused Disasters: Enhancing Preparedness and Response
The rapid advance of technology has presented authorities with many new tools that they can use to monitor and control roadways for their safe, efficient, and convenient use by motorists, working toward an intelligent transportation system that adapts to dynamic situations that best serve motorists. Recent natural and human-caused disasters have demonstrated that there are significant challenges yet to be overcome by the advancing technology of transportation systems. A significant problem is a lack of clear, efficient communication during emergencies. The public requires timely information and guidance during and after a catastrophic event. This research investigated the feasibility of enhancing transportation system preparedness by creating messages to aid motorists during natural or human-caused disasters by supplementing the existing message display libraries for variable message signs (VMSs) and dynamic message signs (DMSs). This investigation considered the current transportation emergency communication environment and attempts to enhance communication and preparedness by improving the design and display of messages on VMSs and DMSs. The study examined 465 Rhode Island drivers by using a computer survey and 157 Rhode Island drivers by using driving simulation to research important factors in the design and deployment of message displays. The results indicated that the supplementation of communication through the use of VMSs and DMSs is a viable alternative and that there are design factors that can be used to help develop new and improve existing messages through further testing and implementation.
- Record URL:
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- Summary URL:
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Public/Blurbs/160134.aspx
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Authors:
- Severson, Jeffry C
- Maier-Speredelozzi, Valerie
- Wang, Jyh-Hone
- Collyer, Charles E
- Publication Date: 2008
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Features: References; Tables;
- Pagination: pp 68-79
- Monograph Title: Transportation Security; Emergency Response and Recovery 2008
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Serial:
- Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
- Issue Number: 2041
- Publisher: Transportation Research Board
- ISSN: 0361-1981
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Automobile drivers; Communication; Disaster preparedness; Disasters and emergency operations; Emergency management; Highway safety; Intelligent transportation systems; Messages (Communications); Simulation; Variable message signs
- Geographic Terms: Rhode Island
- Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning; I73: Traffic Control;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01099798
- Record Type: Publication
- ISBN: 9780309113083
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: May 22 2008 7:40AM