Synthesis of Safety Applications in Winter Weather Operations

2019PDFTech ReportShahandashti, MohsenMattingly, Stephen P.Ameen, WasiqFarooghi, FerikaUniversity of Texas at Arlington. Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringTexas. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Technology Implementation OfficeUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationTexas. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Technology Implementation OfficeTexasUnited StatesHighway safetyWeather conditionsWinter maintenanceSafetySafety programsSnowplowsVehicle lighting devicesVariable message signsReflective signsReflectivityMaintenance equipmentLiterature reviewsSurveysWinter weather operationssafety applicationsFHWA/TX-19/0-6996-10-6996Technical Report, September 2018\u2013July 2019Despite every precaution taken by the TxDOT maintenance operators, winter operations vehicles have been hit in the rear, causing injury to the operators as well as the travelling public. The objectives of this synthesis research project were to synthesize and critically evaluate existing methods and devices used by various TxDOT districts for enhancing the safety of winter weather operations and recommend appropriate practices for TxDOT maintenance crews for utilizing the best methods and devices during winter weather operations. The research findings were obtained through an extensive literature review, fact-finding surveys, structured follow-up interviews, and case studies. A thorough review of the literature was conducted to obtain a detailed understanding of methods used to increase the visibility of winter operations vehicles in Texas and in states other than Texas. The findings of the literature review were used to develop surveys. Responses were collected from 15 TxDOT districts and 10 states other than Texas. Based on the survey responses, structured follow-up interviews were performed with the individuals with the most experience in successful winter weather operations. Overall, the research team conducted six detailed follow-up interviews. The interview participants were asked to provide detailed information on safety methods for winter operations that has been presented as case studies. To ensure the most effective methods for winter operations in Texas, the researchers recommended consistent appearances for winter operations vehicles (for lighting, message signs, markings, etc.). They also recommended a winter Operations Management System be implemented to obtain the current conditions of roads and maintenance crews.104