Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) have the potential to transform planning for disasters, managing a response, communicating with the people who must react and coordinating operations. Likewise, the compelling need for effective disaster response and the associated risk in loss of life can be powerful "pulls" for ITS infrastructure deployment. Disasters come in many forms, but the one that has recently captured national attention for transportation managers is hurricanes. The potential for loss of life from a hurricane is substantial and can occur from storm surge, wind or inland flooding. While the risk of loss of life due to storm surge is a constant consideration and a serious threat, the majority of deaths in recent years occurred due to inland flooding. Weather forecasters inform us that due to global climate change factors, most coastal areas in the southeast United States can expect an increasing number of hurricanes. Commercial and residential development along these coastal areas continues to grow. This kind of development increases the cost of storm damage in the event of a hurricane. Perhaps the most alarming statistic, however, is the growth in population along the coast and the resulting growth in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) with little increase in lane miles. Nationwide, there is a 72% growth in VMT with a corresponding 4% growth in lane miles. In 1993, approximately 35 million people lived in 22 coastal counties. It is estimated that by 2010, 76 million people will live in those same coastal counties. That is roughly doubling of the population with little new roadway infrastructure. Clearly, it is time to take advantage of every tool available to optimize the evacuation operation and performance of the transportation system.
Samenvatting