Skip to main content

Study shows curve warning systems ‘reduce crashes’

A study by the US Federal Highway Administration’s Highways for Life has found a small but consistent reductions in mean and 85 percentile speeds on dangerous bends through the use of Tapco’s BlinkerChevron dynamic curve warning and guidance system (DCWGS) instead of static warning signs. The system's detects oncoming vehicles up to 90m (300ft) from the curve and will trigger the flashing LEDs on the signs if the vehicle’s speed exceed a predetermined level to warn the driver of the dangerous curves with e
February 24, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
RSSA study by the US Federal Highway Administration’s Highways for Life has found a small but consistent reductions in mean and 85 percentile speeds on dangerous bends through the use of 989 Tapco’s BlinkerChevron dynamic curve warning and guidance system (DCWGS) instead of static warning signs.

The system's detects oncoming vehicles up to 90m (300ft) from the curve and will trigger the flashing LEDs on the signs if the vehicle’s speed exceed a predetermined level to warn the driver of the dangerous curves with each chevron flashing sequentially.

Set up to examine improving safety performance on rural horizontal curves, the study concluded that ‘overall, the sign appeared to be effective in reducing speed and crashes’. Analysis showed a reduction in vehicles exceeding the speed limit or advisory speed limit by 5, 10, 15, or 20 mph, and particularly in the higher ranges.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Global mobility study: world on the move
    November 27, 2020
    ERF reviews impact of new mobility on road infrastructure in 20 countries pre-Covid
  • Dynamic charging boosts electric vehicles’ potential
    December 16, 2014
    With an increasing need to use electric vehicles in city centres to reduce pollution, David Crawford looks at various solutions to power delivery. The UN’s September 2014 Climate Summit has added fresh momentum to the drive to increase urban electric vehicle (EV) takeup. It has launched the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative, which wants to see EVs accounting for 30% of all urban travel by 2030, and make cities worldwide more friendly to their use. Encouragingly, the plan is being well supported by commerci
  • Georgia DoT showcases its connectivity
    March 3, 2020
    Georgia DoT’s regional connected vehicle programme could be a model for the rest of the US. Adam Hill speaks to two men involved in making it a reality – and takes a look at the state’s first-ever Tech Showcase
  • ITS homes in on cycling safety
    April 9, 2014
    A new generation of ITS equipment is helping road authorities get to grips with cycle safety – and not a moment too soon as Colin Sowman discovers. Cyclists - remember them? Apparently not. At least not according to the OECD 2013 report Cycling, Health and Safety which contains the statement: ‘Cyclists are often forgotten in the design of the road traffic system’. Looking through the statistics that exist (each country appears to compile them differently) it is not difficult to see how such a conclusion cou