Friday, December 28, 2007

Cold weather inspires Tollway Authority to issue press release about nifty sensors embedded in Dallas-area roads

By Pegasus News wire

Tis' the season for extreme temperatures, and, possibly, even ice. However, have no fear because the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) has cutting edge technology on its roadways that helps the agency anticipate and respond to possible icy situations.

Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS), installed in 2005 and 2006, are used to measure pavement temperatures and roadways surface conditions. When data indicates adverse roadway conditions, the NTTA Command Center and maintenance crews initiate the appropriate response on the roadway.

"We have sensors installed in areas with an increased potential for freezing, like bridges and elevated ramp locations. When our sensors indicate there is an issue we can take proactive steps such as dispatching the proper maintenance vehicles, notifying motorists and suggesting alternate routes," said Rick Herrington, NTTA's Deputy Executive Director. "Safety is paramount at the NTTA. These sensors are another safety measure that helps make NTTA roadways some of the safest."

NTTA roadways are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by professionals in its Command Center who are charged with the responsibility of alerting first responders when there is a situation on the roadway which may pose a hazard. The command center staff then post related information for customers on large electronic message signs, known as Dynamic Message Signs, along NTTA roadways.

Even with these proactive measures in place, motorists should still use caution when weather conditions are bad. Here are some tips for driving in icy weather:

Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room in front of you to stop. When ice is possibly present, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid sliding. If your wheels start to slide, ease off the brake. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists. Keep your lights and windshield clean. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Don't pass sanding trucks and safety vehicles at high speeds. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Source: NTTA

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