1. AbstractAbstract Each year, highway fatalities reach increasing levels. The majority of these accidents, and even more injuries, were the result of rear-end collisions because of drivers’ inability or unwillingness to recognize the dangers of upcoming work zones. The focus of this project is to increase the cognitive awareness of drivers near construction zones. Additionally, it must establish methods to adequately educate and warn Iowa’s drivers of the dangers associated with construction on two- lane highways. The main objective is to save human lives by decreasing the frequency of accidents. Introduction AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Thank you to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Veronica Dark, and the CCEE and ECpE departments of Iowa State University for their assistance and insight on this project. Problem StatementProblem Statement The problem, for which this project will determine a solution, is that drivers are not making the cognitive choice to recognize the danger in, and around, construction zones. Drivers tend to ignore warning signs because they become accustomed to seeing them, or do not see work in progress and believe danger no longer exists. Looking at many different approaches, this project will find a solution which stays within the proposed constraints and lives up to the client’s requirements. Improved current, as well as new technology will be used to help solve this problem. Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and dust associated with construction sites Heavy abuse due to temporary nature of construction zones, misuse, or neglect Intended UsersIntended Users Iowa Department of Transportation (I.D.O.T.) Drivers in the state of Iowa Construction workers Nation-wide D.O.Ts. AssumptionsAssumptions Device will be tested in two-lane highway construction Easy to setup and take down Expected End ProductExpected End Product Working device for use in a two-lane road construction zone Concepts and suggestions for improving current construction zone technology Project/Design Requirements Design ObjectivesDesign Objectives Cost-effective Low maintenance Easy to setup/use Durable Functional RequirementsFunctional Requirements Activate drivers’ cognitive decision process Convey desired message in a limited amount of time and space Device allows for relocation and be updateable as necessary An educational solution conveys desired message Design ConstraintsDesign Constraints Must meet federal guidelines Able to withstand adverse weather conditions and relocation Re-useable power supply Measurable MilestonesMeasurable Milestones Research conclusion End-product design I.D.O.T. implementation/report Product completion Proposed ApproachProposed Approach Create a design Prototype design Test design Final prototype Technologies ConsideredTechnologies Considered Automated text message boards Wireless control Educational systems Sign reflectivity Testing ConsiderationsTesting Considerations In-lab testing On-site testing Testing by I.D.O.T. Team Members Clinton Dawson, CprE – Project leader Angel Anderson, CprE – Communications Officer Amit Agarwal, CprE Matthew Baker, EE Josh Keith, CE Abdul Nuhu, EE Nancy Suby-Bohn, CE ReferencesReferences http://www.dot.ia.ushttp://www.dot.ia.ushttp://www.fhwa.dot.govwww.fhwa.dot.gov Collisions in two-lane highway road construction zones are mainly attributed to drivers’ unawareness and/or disregard of impending danger due to closed lanes. This project seeks to educate and warn drivers by employing a variety of methods, thus reducing accidents and saving lives. Road Construction Safety Project SDMay04-01 Project Schedule Closing Summary Estimated Resources ClientClient Mark Bortle P.E. – Iowa Department of Transportation, Ames, IA AdvisorsAdvisors Dr. John Lamont – ECpE Department Prof. Ralph Patterson III – ECpE Department AAP. Duane Smith – CCEE Department/CTRE SDMay04-01 Project Team Personal Effort ChartPersonal Effort Chart Automated data gathering device Sensors Radar LimitationsLimitations Device must meet federal guidelines New ideas must pass federal inspection Other ResourcesOther Resources Technology currently used by I.D.O.T. (i.e. signs, message boards) – No cost Financial ResourcesFinancial Resources Labor (977 hrs.) x $10.50/hr = $10,258.50 Poster = ___$70.00 Total = $10,328.50