On-Board Hazard Warning System could make Transit Buses Safer (8/12/98)

BUS DEPARTMENT NEWS

ON-BOARD HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM
COULD MAKE TRANSIT BUSES SAFER

Federal funding is now available to study a microwave technology called the Safety Warning System (SWS) that could warn transit bus operators and motorists of traffic hazards, such as accidents, wet streets or railroad crossings.

The U. S. Department of Transportation is administering $2.1 million in research grants to state and local governments. The system was developed by Georgia Tech Research Institute.

Using the system, transmitters could be located at strategic points along roadways to trigger receivers on buses or cars when there is a hazard. The receivers could then sound an alarm, play an audible recorded message or print out a text warning on a dashboard computer screen.

The SWS transmitters, valued at $800, are being given free of charge to qualified users participating in research and testing of the systems. Each brick-sized transmitter weighs just under three pounds.

The Unit can be set up to transmit any of 64 messages in five broad categories: (1) highway construction or maintenance, (2) highway hazard zone advisory, (3) weather-related hazards, (4) travel information/convenience, (5) fast/slow moving vehicles.

The receivers are simple devices that pick up messages on police traffic radar frequencies, like the ordinary radar detectors found on millions of cars. Contact: SWS at (941) 473-1555. (from 8/12/98 Urban Transport News)