University of Idaho
Aerodynamic Effects on Two-Lane Rural Highway Safety
PI: Tao Xing (UI), xing@uidaho.edu
Dates: 12/16/2015 – 12/15/2016
Status: Completed
UTC Project Information
Final Technical Report
The goal of this project is to use advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and wind tunnel experimental measurements to study the effects of aerodynamics on two-lane rural highway safety in the United States. The project will focus on the changes of forces and moments in three dimensions during the crossing and overtaking process between cars and trucks under various environmental wind conditions, especially cross-wind. Read More
Spatial Analysis of Bicycle and Pedestrian Count Data
PI: Mike Lowry (UI), mlowry@uidaho.edu
Dates: 12/16/2015 – 12/15/2016
Status: Completed
UTC Project Information
Final Technical Report
This project will create best-practice recommendations for collecting bicycle and pedestrian count data that state DOTs and their community partners can use when deciding where to locate permanent counters or how to spatially distribute volunteer manual counters. Read More
Safety Data Management and Analysis: Assessing the Continuing Education Needs for the Pacific Northwest, Analysis of Options
PI: Kevin Chang (UAF), kchang@uidaho.edu
Co-Investigators: Cynthia Chen (UW), Robert Perkins (UAF), Ali Hajbabaie (WSU), Shane Brown (OSU)
Dates: 12/16/2015 – 12/15/2016
Status: Completed
Project Information
Final Technical Report
Recent advancements in data collection capabilities have allowed transportation-related agencies to collect mountains of safety data. There is an immediate need to find out what types of safety data are being collected, what types of safety analysis can be done with the collected data, and what (other) types of safety data and analysis approaches are required to meet the
safety objectives. Read More
Safety Data Management and Analysis: Addressing the Continuing Education Needs for the Pacific Northwest
PI: Kevin Chang (UI), kchang@uidaho.edu
Co-Investigators: Cynthia Chen (UW), Robert Perkins (UAF), Ali Hajbabaie (WSU), Shane Brown (OSU)
Dates: 01/16/2015 – 06/15/2016
Status: Completed
Project Information
Final Technical Report
Safety data collection, management, integration, improvement, and analysis activities are integral to developing a robust data program that leads to more Informed Decision making, better targeted safety investments, and overall improved safety outcomes. Safety data includes crash, roadway, traffic, licensing, and vehicle data. With the increased complexity of the safety data management and analysis activities, and with the limited resources most transportation agencies have, there is a critical need to provide the transportation workforce in the Pacific Northwest with the resources needed to effectively manage and analyze safety data. Read More
Modeling Passing Behavior on Two-Lane Rural Highways: Evaluating Crash Risk under Different Geometric Conditions
PI: Kevin Chang (UI), kchang@uidaho.edu
Co-Investigators: Ahmed Abdel-Rahim (UI), Brian Dyre (UI)
Dates: 01/16/2015 – 06/15/2016
Status: Completed
UTC Project Sheet
Final Technical Report
The primary goal of this project is to provide a better understanding of a driver’s passing behavior and model their decision-making on two-lane rural highways under different geometric configurations. This project will specifically examine passing behavior on horizontal curves on two-lane rural highways and explore how the different degrees of curvature influence driver behavior. The outcome of the project will provide state DOTs with guidelines that allow them to improve the safety and efficiency of traffic operations along this particular type of highway setting. Read More
