Road Weather Management Program
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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Title:

Traffic Safety Effects of a Wet Pavement Detection System Installed on a North Carolina Interstate

Abstract:

This report summarizes the traffic safety effects of a wet pavement detection system (WPDS) installed at an interstate construction zone. A temporary detour section was outfitted with WPDS, because standing water was creating a hazardous situation for motorists. This study examines the "wet" crashes prior to and after the installation of the WPDS. The WPDS reduced the yearly wet crash rate by 39 percent and the yearly injury crash rate by 35 percent. The average daily crashes on "heavy precipitation" days decreased from 2.59 to 1.09 crashes per day, a 58% drop.

Source(s):

North Carolina DOT. For an electronic copy of this resource, please direct your request to WeatherFeedback@dot.gov.

Date: 2004

Author:

Lowry

Keywords:


Traffic management
Pavement condition
Rain
Motorist warning system
Crashes
Precipitation
Dynamic Message Sign (DMS)
Traveler information

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