Stay Alert With Connected Arrow Boards
You might already know that arrow boards are a crucial part of work zone safety. They’re required in work zones to direct traffic and prevent workplace accidents, saving a lot of money and protecting highway workers. In this post, you will learn everything there is to know about connected arrow boards, the second generation of arrow board technology. This new type of equipment is an improvement from previous types due to its connection to real-time traffic data. Connected arrow boards are just one aspect of the future of work zone technology called intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
What are Intelligent Transportation Systems?
Intelligent Transportation Systems, or more commonly known as ITS, is a general term for electronic technologies and communications-based information used to improve transportation safety. ITS contains a large variety of different types of technology.
It’s difficult to summarize the multiple categories of ITS. Luckily, the U.S. Department of Transportation has broken down most of these systems into some major groups, which they say are:
- Sensors and other components in the field to collect traffic information, such as traffic volumes and speeds and video of traffic flow
- Communications links (wireless and wired) to transmit that data for processing or dissemination
- Software that processes and analyzes the data, converting it to information that can be used by other components and various users of the information
- Electronic equipment to disseminate the processed information to end users of the information, such as motorists and transportation agencies. Connected arrow boards fall under the electronic equipment category and are vital to certain areas of work zone safety. (p. 1)
Though there are also different uses for ITS, the main purpose here is data collection, and then communicating and disseminating that information to others. When you apply ITS to a work zone equipment, it becomes a connected work zone! Now construction crews can ease congestion, improve traffic management, minimize environmental impact and increase the benefits of transportation to commercial users and the public in general.
What are Connected Arrow Boards?
Connected Arrow Boards are just like standard arrow boards but equipped with ITS! The board is 8’ x 4’ and comes with either 15 or 25 lamps depending on what that state requires. These boards are usually placed on TMA trucks and direct traffic when there is construction work and lane closures.
Simply put, ITS makes your arrow board a “smart” arrow board. The ITS system sends real-time data on work zone activities in order provide up to date navigation for motorists. Highway work crews can now communicate and spread information about lane closures and other information about their location and active status.
About Royal Truck & Equipment’s Connected Arrow Boards
The type of connected arrow boards that Royal Truck & Equipment offers has many features that enhances work zone safety. These include:
- Upon Activation
- Transmits location and ‘ON’ status
- Arrow board status posted to XML within 2 minutes
- Transmits status every 15 minutes and/or if it moves more than 300 ft
- Upon Deactivation
- Transmits location and ‘OFF’ status
- Status posted to XML within 60 seconds
- Updates location and ‘OFF’ status at 4 hour intervals
- For more information, click here
This is Why Every Work Zone Should Have Connected Arrow Boards
The connected arrow board is a necessity in the modern-day work zone. Again, what makes the connected arrow board an improvement over previous models are the ability to access real-time data to make decisions about how to signal and reorient traffic. By doing so, work zone safety will increase by expanding the amount of knowledge the work zone has. The same positive effect for companies can be seen in a decrease in traffic congestion and emergency vehicle accidents.
This product is not just useful, but necessary for work zones, especially those with heavy equipment. There is a lot of different features on the board, as well as legal requirements, so think over your decision if you are considering purchasing one!
