Rural applications of intelligent transportation systems. Final report

Technical Report · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:256502

Wallace, C E; Kilpatrick, A K; Schneider, K R

The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program in the U.S.A. is understandably directed primarily toward urbanized areas where congestion is highest, yet rural areas account for four times the mileage of highways. Although 60% of total travel is urban, the 40% on rural roads is still a major share of the nation`s travel demand and, unfortunately, the percentages of fatal accidents are nearly reversed--57% rural. Travelers on rural facilities, whether they be high-type, access controlled highways or two-lane country roads, have needs in common with urban travelers, but also particular problems that distinguish driving on these facilities from urban travel. This report addresses the rural travel community needs and the potential benefits that ITS can deliver. It compares the ITS User Services Requirements against perceived rural traveler needs. It summarizes the results of several specialty conferences on rural ITS and describes a number of projects in the area. Specific recommendations offer a plan for heightening the awareness of ITS needs in rural areas.

• Research Organization: Southeastern Transportation Center Consortium, Raleigh, NC (United States)
• OSTI ID: 256502
• Report Number(s): PB--96-178983/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
EXPERT SYSTEMS
RURAL AREAS
TRAFFIC CONTROL
USES