Drivers’ Smart Assistance System Based on Radio Frequency Identification: Enhanced Safety and Reduced Emissions in Work Zones

A work zone is an area of roadway with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities. According to NHTSA, many traffic accidents and fatalities happen in work zones. Many traditional safety countermeasures have been utilized in work zones, including installing special signs and barriers and posting suitable speed limits. However, these measures have not fully solved the problem. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a powerful, globally accepted technology that has had great success in business management for decades and can be employed as an advisory device that communicates between vehicles and infrastructure in work zones. The purpose of this study was to develop an RFID-based driver smart assistance system (DSAS) to improve traffic safety and air quality in work zones. The RFID device enabled communication between the vehicle and the roadside on a real-time basis and was supplemented with GPS and other sensors for dynamic traffic management. Such an assistance system would provide suitable verbal and visual warning messages to drivers approaching a work zone. Road tests with the DSAS were conducted in Houston, Texas, with 20 drivers, and the system’s impact on vehicle speeds, safety, and vehicle emissions was examined. Statistical results from the tests showed that the DSAS helped drivers take action earlier to decelerate and reduce speeds. All test subjects evaluated the system as satisfactory. This system can also help to reduce most types of vehicle emissions. Further testing and improving of this promising system is recommended in broader fields.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/2458-05
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/171981.aspx
• Authors:
  • Qiao, Fengxiang
  • Jia, Jing
  • Yu, Lei
  • Li, Qing
  • Zhai, Dong
• Publication Date: 2014

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 37–46
• Monograph Title: Visibility; Work Zone Traffic Controls; Highway-Rail Grade Crossings 2014
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2458
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Driver support systems; Exhaust gases; Radio frequency identification; Work zone safety; Work zone traffic control; Work zones
• Geographic Terms: Houston (Texas)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I73: Traffic Control; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01506491
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309295499
• Report/Paper Numbers: 14-1782
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 4 2014 9:13AM