Determining the Effectiveness of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alerts

Abstract: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, approximately 415,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks occur annually, resulting in about 101,000 injury crashes and 4,067 fatal crashes, many of which are preventable. Significant contributing factors include highway construction zones, train crossings, adverse weather conditions, and unresolved crash incidents. In response to these alarming statistics, manufacturers have developed alert systems like Drivewyze to implement Commercial Vehicle Safety Alerts (CVSAs). These alerts leverage in-cab electronic logging devices (ELDs) to provide real-time warnings to truck drivers, assisting them in avoiding traffic delays and hazards. Despite the potential benefits of CVSAs, existing literature reveals a considerable lack of data-driven analyses assessing their effectiveness in improving safety outcomes on the roads. This research project aims to address this critical gap by evaluating the impact of CVSAs on road safety and mobility. The study utilizes data from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and INRIX, focusing on secondary and congestion-related crashes as well as travel times. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is conducted to measure the system’s impact before and after implementation. Additionally, a dynamic tool is developed to assess the monetary value of implementing such systems. Ultimately, this study seeks to provide transportation agencies with essential insights to make informed decisions regarding investments in alert systems and to compare the effectiveness of various safety solutions.