Safety Effects of Icy-Curve Warning Systems

• DOI: 10.3141/2318-10
• Publication Date: 2013-02-12T02:04:18Z
• Authors: Zhirui Ye; David Veneziano; Ian Turnbull
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 0502 economics and business; 05 social sciences; 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; 02 engineering and technology

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) deployed an icy-curve warning system (ICWS) on a 5-mi section SR-36 in Lassen County, California, over Fredonyer Pass. This roadway had history as high-crash location, with multiple fatal crashes. vast majority these accidents occurred when the pavement was icy, despite static signage that Caltrans installed to increase motorist awareness. study presents results research investigated safety effects ICWS. An observational before–after method empirical Bayes technique used determine ICWS crash frequencies. showed reduced annual crashes by 18%. Moreover, analysis ice-related during winters found severities this section. On basis results, benefit revealed provided estimated monetary $1.7 million per winter season motorists through are anticipated contribute better understanding ice (or icy-curve) systems and knowledge base weather-specific treatments their associated effects.