Title

Dynamic Variable Speed Limit Strategies for Real-Time Crash Risk Reduction on Freeways

Authors

Authors

M. Abdel-Aty; R. J. Cunningham; V. V. Gayah;L. Hsia

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Transp. Res. Record

Keywords

SAFETY; MODELS; Engineering, Civil; Transportation; Transportation Science & Technology

Abstract

Recent research at the University of Central Florida involving crashes on I-4 in Orlando, Florida, has led to the creation of new statistical models capable of determining the crash risk on the freeway in real time. The potential benefits of variable speed limit (VSL) implementation for reducing the crash risk along the freeway at different loading scenarios was studied. VSL strategies were used in a network wide attempt to reduce rear-end and lane-change crash risks where speed differences between upstream and downstream vehicles were high. The idea of homogeneous speed zones also was introduced in this study to determine the distance over which variable speed limits should be implemented from a station of interest. This idea is unique because it is the first time a dynamic distance has been considered for VSL implementation. This study shows that VSL is an effective crash prevention strategy when the freeway is operating in uncongested conditions. Specifically, in free-How conditions and conditions approaching congestion, VSL can be used to reduce crash risk and prevent crash occurrence. It was also confirmed that the effects of crash migration increase as the level of congestion increases, and specific implementation techniques were found to better resist those effects. VSL was not found to effectively reduce crash risk in congested situations. This finding is sustained with logic and is supported by previous research.

Journal Title

Transportation Research Record

Issue/Number

2078

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

108

Last Page

116

WOS Identifier

WOS:000262265200015

ISSN

0361-1981

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