In an effort to improve the location data associated with highway accident reports, the Kansas Highway Patrol implemented an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system pilot project in 12 counties of northeast Kansas. To maximise the cost effectiveness of the system, communication of data between the vehicles and the dispatchers was performed using the same radio system currently used for voice communications. The noise caused by the data transmissions was effectively quieted, and the bandwidth available for voice communications was increased by eliminating the need for communicating officer location and status verbally. The security provided the officers and the improved location data are desirable benefits of the system, and the ability to utilise the existing radio infrastructure reduced the implementation and ongoing operation costs.
Abstract