Potential Applications of Video Technology for Traffic Management and Safety in Alabama [2000]

University Transportation Centers Program2000PDFTech ReportGraettinger, AndrewMcFadden, JohnUniversity of Alabama. Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity Transportation Center for AlabamaAlabama. Department of TransportationUnited States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) ProgramUniversity Transportation Center for AlabamaAlabamaVideo camerasDigital videoVideo imaging detectorsVideotape recordersApplicationsHighway traffic control systemsTraffic safetyTraffic violationsTraffic crashesCollisionsBenefit cost analysisHighway safetyMotor vehicle accidentsTraffic managementUTCA-00102DTRS98-G-0028Throughout the country, and in the state of Alabama, agencies are beginning to implement video technology for traffic management without a complete understanding of the costs and benefits associated with these systems. Video systems require substantial investments associated with purchasing, installing, and maintaining equipment along with training personnel. Offsetting these costs are the benefits such as automated enforcement programs, which have reduced violations and crashes related to red-light running, speed, railroad crossing, and aggressive driving. Video systems can be configured to solve various traffic management problems; therefore, each traffic issue requires specific hardware, software, and management techniques. To insure successful implementation of video technology in Alabama, several steps were completed: a detailed review of current capabilities was performed, how to implement a video system was investigated, and where in Alabama these video systems can most improve traffic management and safety was determined. In summary, this research project proved that video technology for traffic management and safety can, if implemented correctly, reduce crashes and violations.140