Using new data collection and analysis tools, traffic safety engineers can improve highway design.
Drivers along Interstate 80 in Northern Utah have an added layer of protection against out-of-control autos. Several years ago, a cable-barrier was erected in the median between the two directions of highway.
For that barrier, they can thank big data.
“Even though in many parts of [I-80] we have a very wide median, we found there was a need for additional shoulder protection, because of the types of crashes we were still having, explained” Robert Miles, director of traffic and safety at the Utah Department of Transportation.
