Workshops on using the GPS method to determine curve advisory speeds.

667212987Technical report; Sept. 2008-Aug. 2009.PDFTech Reporthttp://tti.tamu.edu/documents/5-5439-01-1.pdfFHWA/TX-10/5-5439-01-1Project 5-5439-01Geographic information systemsGlobal Positioning SystemHighway curvesTraffic signsTraffic signalsPsychologyTexasTexas Transportation InstitutePratt, Michael P.Miles, Jeffrey D.Bonneson, James A.Texas Transportation InstituteTexas. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Technology Implementation OfficeNTL-GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS-GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMSNTL-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS-Traffic FlowNTL-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS-OPERATIONS AND TRAFFIC CONTROLSUS Transportation CollectionCurve warning signs are intended to improve curve safety by alerting the driver to a change ingeometry that may not be apparent or expected. However, several research projects conducted in the last 20years have consistently shown that drivers are not responding to curve warning signs or complying withadvisory speed plaques.A new engineering study method was developed to improve consistency in curve signing and drivercompliance with advisory speeds. This report documents two activities that were conducted to promoteimplementation of the new method. One activity is the development of a software program to measure curvegeometry while driving through the curve. The geometric data are then used to determine an appropriatecurve advisory speed and to select effective, curve-related traffic control devices.The second activity for this project was a series of workshops that described use of the new method.The workshop provided a mixture of classroom discussion and hands-on training activities for theparticipants. The workshop participants generally indicated that they believed the new method would benefittheir districts and looked forward to implementing it. Recommendations for future research in this area wereidentified