Information Dissemination
About Information Dissemination
Transportation managers and information service providers disseminate road weather information to travelers in order to influence their decisions, such as mode, route selection, departure time, vehicle type and equipment (e.g., tire chains), driving behavior (e.g., decrease speed, increase following distance) and trip deferral. Managers utilize various technologies to furnish road weather advisories to travelers. Strategies include activation of flashing beacons atop static signs, posting warnings on Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), and broadcasting messages via Highway Advisory Radio (HAR).
Route-specific road condition reports and travel forecasts are often provided through state agency web sites and interactive telephone systems, including 511 - the national traveler information telephone number. Road weather information can also be delivered via other dissemination technologies, such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), in-vehicle devices, and kiosks in rest areas.
Resources for Information Dissemination
Best Practices
- Alabama DOT Low Visibility Warning System (PDF, 97K)
- California DOT Motorist Warning System (PDF, 110K)
- City of Palo Alto, California Flood Warning System (PDF, 123K)
- Idaho DOT Motorist Warning System (PDF, 134K)
- Montana DOT High Wind Warning System (PDF, 122K)
- Nebraska Road Weather Information for Travelers (PDF, 157K)
- Nevada DOT High Wind Warning System (PDF, 146K)
- New Jersey Turnpike Authority Speed Management (PDF, 102K)
- South Carolina DOT Low Visibility Warning System (PDF, 99K)
- Tennessee Low Visibility Warning System (PDF, 401K)
- Utah DOT Low Visibility Warning System (PDF, 97K)
Publications
To view publications related to Information Dissemination, please select one of the following key words.
- Dynamic Message Sign (DMS)
- Flood Warning System
- Internet/Web Site
- Motorist Warning System
- Traveler Information
- Weather Information
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