The rapid advance of technology has presented authorities with many new tools to monitor and control our roadways for safe, efficient, and convenient use by motorists, working toward an intelligent transportation system that adapt to dynamic situations to best serve motorists. Recent natural and human-caused disasters have demonstrated that there are significant challenges yet to be overcome by the advancing technology of transportation systems. A significant problem is a lack of clear, efficient communication during emergencies. The public requires timely information and guidance during and after a catastrophic event. This research investigates the feasibility of enhancing transportation system preparedness by creating messages to aid motorists during natural or human-caused disasters, supplementing the existing message display libraries for variable and dynamic message signs (VMS and DMS). This investigation considers the current transportation emergency communication environment and attempts to enhance communication and preparedness by improving the design and display of VMS/DMS messages. The study examined 465 Rhode Island drivers via computer survey and 157 via driving simulation to research important factors in the design and deployment of message displays. Results indicate that supplementing communication through VMS/DMS systems is a viable alternative, and that there are design factors that can help develop new and improve existing messages through further testing and implementation.
Abstract