Evaluation of school bus stop sign ahead signs

Performing organizations: Toxcel, LLC [and] TEC Engineering, Inc.; "February 2016."; Includes bibliographical references.; Final report.; Sponsoring Agency: Ohio Department of Transportation, Research Section; State Job Number 135200Final report (73 pages) -- Fact sheet (1 page).To improve the safety at school bus stops, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) conducted a study to identify available technologies or methods that could actively warn motorists of the presence of a school bus at an upcoming school bus stop. A scan of the current practice found that all States use static School Bus Stop Ahead signs similar to Ohio. The literature search reviewed current practices and research within the transportation industry as well as other relevant industries (e.g., construction, mining) and identified 13 potential technologies for use as a sensor, and 4 types of warning devices. Two approaches were taken to evaluate the potential solutions: cost-benefits analysis and benefits assessment. This combined approach found that a Bluetooth-based system using flashing beacons to warn drivers of an upcoming school bus stop was the recommended solution for a pilot test. This system will have low capital costs, is limited in complexity, and will be simple and inexpensive to operate and maintain for the school district