Disseminating Information with Variable Message Signs during Natural or Human-Caused Disasters

Recent natural and human caused disasters present new challenges for transportation systems. The actions taken prior to and following a disaster are of critical to ensuring minimal impact on infrastructure and to minimizing the loss of human life. One of the most significant problems is a lack of clear and efficient communication. The public requires timely information and guidance during and after a catastrophic event. The decisions and responses made by transportation system officials must be promptly disseminated to the general public especially during mass evacuation. This study examined the state of Rhode Island’s emergency response capability in disseminating information to motorists during times of crisis to improve public safety. A methodology is described for developing a library of messages for deployment on Variable Message Signs (VMS), to enhance the preparedness of Rhode Island’s transportation system for a potential natural or human-caused disaster, based on three specific scenarios. A public opinion survey was conducted to gauge receptiveness to the new expansion of VMS capabilities, and provide inputs for subsequent driving simulation tests for message formats and content