Dorman Varitext are delighted to announce that the unique Dynamic Curve Warning VATCS have been selected to feature on a national FHWA traffic safety study  to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology on traffic speed and hazard awareness on horizontal curves in rural roadway applications.

Speeding continues to be one of the most significant contributing factors to fatal crashes. One of the major issues for speed related crashes is the impact of horizontal curves, especially in rural roadways. As described in A Guide for Reducing Collisions on Horizontal Curves (NCHRP report 500, Volume 7) , about 75 percent of all fatal crashes occur in rural areas, and more than 70 percent are on two-lane secondary highways, many of which are local roads. In addition the average crash rate for horizontal curves is about three times that of other highway segments and , 76 percent of the curve related fatal crashes involve single vehicles leaving the roadway and striking various fixed-roadside objects or overturning. Another 11 percent are head-on collisions where vehicles drifted into the opposing lane because drivers were trying to cut the curve or re-direct the vehicle after having run onto the shoulder. Finally it has been reported that 56 percent of all run – off the road fatal crashes on horizontal curves are speed related.

Uniquely the dynamic Curve Warning VATCS not only target speeding drivers with an advance slow down warning but also incorporate into this warning message a location specific MUTCD pictogram of the approaching hazard, immediately allowing the driver to connect the request for an adjustment in their driving speed and behaviour to allow them to safely manoeuvre the hazard.

Five VATCS models will be available for the trial evaluation. The qty of different model types to be supplied will be determined by the type of curve site locations that are selected within the trial. Signs are to be installed in Washington, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Arizona and potentially Texas and Oregon.

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