Weather Applications

Approximately 20 percent of serious crashes (those involving deaths and injuries) occur in adverse weather conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Bad weather also causes delays as traffic slows in response to decreased visibility, loss of traction and reduced vehicle maneuverability. It also imposes costs on regional economies, in terms of commerce lost due to difficult-to-navigate roads and the operating and materials costs of preventing or removing ice and snow buildup.

Intelligent technologies are used:

• for snow and ice removal, including
  • monitoring pavement surfaces for snow and ice to assure efficient and timely treatment with the most appropriate materials and
  • aiding snow and ice removal equipment operators through automated or assistive technologies
• to process weather detection information to guide maintenance decisions
• to manage traveler information systems to warn road users during extreme weather conditions
• and to direct traffic control systems to smooth traffic flow.

Photo credit for weather detector at left: the Mount Washington Observatory. www.mountwashington.org

Last updated: April 8, 2005