In-Cab Alert System for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

In-cab telematic devices use an increasingly robust data platform and can be used to share safety alerts with other commercial vehicle drivers (CMV) drivers. Real-time alert data can come from state transportation agencies as well as from private companies. To address common quality and coordination issues among differing data sources, the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) partnered with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and a private vendor, PrePass, to share its App used to send information to CMV drivers. The project demonstrated a proof of concept for the delivery of timely in-cab alerts to warn CMV drivers of approaching roadway hazards. The KTC research team convened a body of experts as a study advisory committee (SAC); surveyed the CMV community for their preferences; coordinated with KYTC, PrePass, and other organizations to develop the pilot study; conducted a proof of concept; and analyzed and assessed the results. Evaluating CMV survey findings and determining study feasibility led the committee to include the data categories of traffic congestion, real-time incidents, and work zones in the pilot study. The study confirmed that safety benefits are realized when transportation agencies share roadway hazard alerts through CMV in-cab devices. Findings reveal an overall need for consistency among DOTS in data collection and how data is processed. Recommendations focused on prioritizing the types of information delivered via in-cab alerts and standardizing the collection and reporting of traffic data.