Volpe Center Highlights
Safety
Focus |
Safety |
Mobility |
Human and Natural Environment |
Economic Growth and Trade |
National Security |
Published and Presented
Promote public health and safety by working toward the elimination of transportation-related deaths, injuries, and property damage.
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Motor Carrier Safety Program (FHWA)
In support of the congressionally-mandated Commercial Vehicle Information System (CVIS), the Volpe Center has developed an automated motor carrier safety status analysis system (SafeStat) for the Office of Motor Carriers (OMC). SafeStat data and algorithms identify and monitor interstate motor carriers that have poor safety performance and compliance in four safety evaluation areas: accidents, driver, vehicle, and safety management. SafeStat brings together for the first time motor carrier accident reports, roadside inspection results, onsite compliance review results, and enforcement case histories to form a comprehensive view of a motor carrier's safety performance and safety regulation compliance. The final result prioritizes motor carriers for a warning and sanctioning process that could lead to the suspension, revocation, or denial of a motor carrier's state vehicle registrations and/or an OMC "out of service" order. The initial identification by SafeStat of 500 interstate motor carriers in five CVIS pilot states was accomplished May 5, 1995, and those motor carriers began receiving warning letters; onsite investigations began May 19, 1995. The Volpe Center is currently developing the monitoring function of SafeStat, which will review and assess the improvement of carriers identified for the CVIS process. The Center will also be collaborating with the state of Oregon (one of the five CVIS pilot states) to develop an intrastate version of SafeStat to be pilot tested in that state.
Presentation of Vehicle Crash Avoidance Research (NHTSA)
The Volpe Center's Accident Prevention Division provides ongoing support to NHTSA's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) research program. As part of this effort, a report entitled "Synthesis Report: Examination of Target Vehicular Crashes and Potential ITS Countermeasures" was recently completed and published. The report culminates a three-year multidisciplinary project to identify crash causal factors and applicable ITS Collision Avoidance System (CAS) concepts, model crash scenarios and avoidance maneuvers, provide preliminary estimates of CAS effectiveness when appropriate, and identify research and data needs. The report synthesizes the results of analyses of major crash types including rear-end, backing, lane change and merge, single vehicle roadway departure, opposite direction, intersection, and reduced visibility. A case-by-case examination of a sample of 1,183 crashes showed that driver recognition and driver decision errors were the primary causes of 44% and 23% of the crashes, respectively. The CAS concepts reviewed in this report provide mechanisms for intervention at three levels: advisory, warning, and automatic control. Crash avoidance actions for major crash types were kinematically modeled to identify performance limits of potential CAS concepts. Results of the three year research are now being applied to assist NHTSA in developing performance guidelines for different collision avoidance countermeasures.
Regional Security Workshops (FTA)
The number one vision of the FTA Strategic Plan is to "maximize security and safety of transit systems for service users." To assist in accomplishing this goal, Mr. William Hathaway and Ms. Larrine Watson, of the Volpe Center's Safety and Security Systems Division, recently conducted a two-day workshop in Bethesda, MD entitled "Perspectives on Transit Security in the 90's - Strategies for Success." The workshop was held to provide a forum for transit security professionals to share their experiences and identify security issues and potential solutions. In the absence of statistical data on transit crime, well-publicized crimes provide the perception that crime is a common event. The exchange of information, along with discussions on how the system security concept may be employed to implement a pro-active security program concept provided the participants with an opportunity to identify concerns and share innovative solutions, as well as, address and explore approaches to mitigate the issue of the public perception of crime.
Technical Support Program for Disabled Transit Riders (FTA)
Transit systems are required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to accommodate all common wheelchairs and mobility aids. This includes tri-wheeled scooters, provided they meet specific dimensional requirements. Several transit systems have recently expressed concerns to FTA about the safety of transporting tri-wheeled scooters and their occupants on buses and vans used in public transit service. Responding to these concerns, Mr. David Spiller, of the Center's Service Assessment Division, prepared and delivered to the FTA's Office of Grants Management, a draft final report that provides a comprehensive assessment of securement and restraint issues related to the transport of tri-wheeled scooters and their occupants on buses and vans used in public transit service. Recommendations are also made for US DOT-sponsored research, and US DOT administrative action. Initial reaction to the draft report has been very positive.
Development of Passenger Facility Charges Tracking Module (FAA)
The Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 and its implementing regulation established "Passenger Facility Charges," which are levied by public agencies controlling commercial service airports to enplaning passengers using the airport. The revenues received from these charges (or PFCs) are used for the expansion and improvement of the national airport system. On behalf of the FAA, the Volpe Computer Center has implemented an information system in support of the 1990 law. The application has been operable since 1991 and has undergone modifications as new requirements were established and delineated by the FAA. The next main modification to the system will be a tracking module for all PFC applications. The tracking capability will provide milestone data and pertinent financial information for the collected revenues. It will provide the FAA Office of Airports the statistics necessary for reporting the progress of the PFC program to Congress and the public. It is anticipated that access and input for this tracking module will involve collaboration between FAA headquarters personnel and regional personnel. Implementation is planned for the beginning of FY 1996.
