•AbstractAbstractEach year, highway fatalities reach increasing levels. The majority of these accidents, and even more injuries, were the result of rear-end collisions because of drivers’ inability or unwillingness to recognize the dangers of upcoming work zones. The focus of this project is to increase the cognitive awareness of drivers near construction zones. Additionally, it must establish methods to adequately educate and warn Iowa’s drivers of the dangers associated with construction on two-lane highways. The main objective is to save human lives by decreasing the frequency of accidents.

IntroductionIntroduction

•AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsThank you to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Veronica Dark, and the CCEE and ECpE departments of Iowa State University for their assistance and insight on this project.

•Problem StatementProblem StatementThe problem, for which this project will determine a solution, is that drivers are not making the cognitive choice to recognize the danger in, and around, construction zones. Drivers tend to ignore warning signs because they become accustomed to seeing them, or do not see work in progress and believe danger no longer exists.

Looking at many different approaches, this project will find a solution which stays within the proposed constraints and lives up to the client’s requirements. Improved current, as well as new technology will be used to help solve this problem. •Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment• Heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and dust associated with construction sites

• Heavy abuse due to temporary nature of construction zones, misuse, or neglect•Intended UsersIntended Users• Iowa Department of Transportation (I.D.O.T.)

• Drivers in the state of Iowa

• Construction workers

• Nation-wide D.O.Ts.

•AssumptionsAssumptions• Device will be tested in two-lane highway construction

• Easy to setup and take down

•Expected End ProductExpected End Product• Working device for use in a two-lane road construction zone

• Concepts and suggestions for improving current construction zone technology

Project/Design Project/Design RequirementsRequirements•Design ObjectivesDesign Objectives

• Cost-effective

• Low maintenance

• Easy to setup/use

• Durable

•Functional RequirementsFunctional Requirements• Activate drivers’ cognitive decision process

• Convey desired message in a limited amount of time and space

• Device allows for relocation and be updateable as necessary

• An educational solution conveys desired message

•Design ConstraintsDesign Constraints• Must meet federal guidelines

• Able to withstand adverse weather conditions and relocation

• Re-useable power supply

• Measurable Measurable MilestonesMilestones

• Research conclusion

• End-product design

• I.D.O.T. implementation/report

• Product completion•Proposed ApproachProposed Approach• Create a design

• Prototype design

• Test design

• Final prototype

•Technologies Technologies ConsideredConsidered• Automated text message boards

• Wireless control

• Educational systems

• Sign reflectivity•Testing ConsiderationsTesting Considerations• In-lab testing

• On-site testing

• Testing by I.D.O.T.

• Team MembersTeam MembersClinton Dawson, CprE – Project leader

Angel Anderson, CprE – Communications Officer

Amit Agarwal, CprE

Matthew Baker, EE

Josh Keith, CE

Abdul Nuhu, EE

Nancy Suby-Bohn, CE

•References References http://www.dot.ia.us http://www.fhwa.dot.gov

Collisions in two-lane highway road construction zones are mainly attributed to drivers’ unawareness and/or disregard of impending danger due to closed lanes. This project seeks to educate and warn drivers by employing a variety of methods, thus reducing accidents and saving lives.

Road Construction Safety Project Road Construction Safety Project SDMay04-01SDMay04-01

Project ScheduleProject Schedule

Closing SummaryClosing Summary

Estimated ResourcesEstimated Resources

•Client Client Mark Bortle P.E. –

Iowa Department of Transportation, Ames, IA

•AdvisorsAdvisorsDr. John Lamont – ECpE Department

Prof. Ralph Patterson III – ECpE Department

AAP. Duane Smith – CCEE Department/CTRE

SDMay04-01 Project TeamSDMay04-01 Project Team

140, 14%138, 14%

140, 14%

140, 14%

137, 14%

145, 16%

137, 14%

Abdul

Angel

Amit

Matt

Josh

Nancy

Clint

•Personal Effort ChartPersonal Effort Chart

• Automated data gathering device

• Sensors

• Radar

•LimitationsLimitations• Device must meet federal guidelines

• New ideas must pass federal inspection

•Other ResourcesOther ResourcesTechnology currently used by I.D.O.T. (i.e. signs, message boards) – No cost

•Financial Financial ResourcesResourcesLabor (977 hrs.) x $10.50/hr = $10,258.50

Poster = ___$70.00

Total = $10,328.50