Vermont GPS Pilot Study

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Vermont GPS Pilot Study

• By Mandy Shatney
• Vermont Agency of Transportation

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Purpose

• The purpose of this pilot study was to determine
  the feasibility of using hand held GPS units for
  crash location.

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Contributors

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Vermont Agency of Transportation (VAOT)
• The Vermont Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Selected County Sheriff Offices
• Selected Local Law Enforcement Agencies

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Project Background

• Recommendation by FHWA for improved crash data
• A Traffic Records Coordinating Committee creates
  a new crash form
• VAOT, VT Department of Health, VT Center for
  Justice Research, DPS, VT Department of Motor
  Vehicles, FHWA, Governors Highway Safety
  Program

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Project Background cont.

• The new Uniform Crash Report is tested, and then
  implemented on July 1st of 2002.
• Number of crashes more than triples in 2002.
• VAOT then looks to get better location
  information through GPS

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The GPS Pilot Project

• Magellan Sportrak, model MA61606
• 42 units purchased
• VAOT evaluates field placement of units
• Distributed to 5 police agencies around the state

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GPS Test Locations
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Vermont State Plane Coordinates

• Staff recommended as easiest way to feed
  information into GIS.
• Collected in Northing Easting.
• Example 456789 E
• 41234 N

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Training

• Explained purpose for pilot study
• Encompass basic functions of GPS units
• Training at individual locations.
• VAOT uses
• Statistical analyses
• Evaluation of hazardous locations
• Provides data to other VAOT entities

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GPS Survey

• Survey collected 2-3 months following beginning
  of study
• Some Questions
• How often used?
• Easy/Comfortable?
• Problems/Concerns?
• Other uses?
• Comments?

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Survey Results

• Units used occasionally to infrequently
• Easy and comfortable to use.
• Some problems stated.
• List of other uses extensive.
• Comments ranged from high praise to questioning
  purpose of units.
• Overall enthusiasm for future uses.

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Plot Results

• Study lasted 10 months
• 361 crashes plotted
• Manually located checked for accuracy
• Categorized Crashes
• Problem areas Concerns
• Proposed Solutions

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Whats Next

• Map findings
• Show each group good locations vs. bad locations
• New Units to be purchased

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Thank You

• Questions?