Safety is paramount to all NTC research and involves significant interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration. Researchers are working closely with the Nebraska Department of Roads to move toward zero-fatality roadways. This includes investigation into the effect of driver psychology in areas such as risk analysis for commercial vehicle operators and roundabout negotiation. Researchers also are working toward improving hazardous winter driving conditions by developing advanced, cost-effective methods of snow and ice control, such as the development of a preventive anti-icing compound to be applied before winter storms hit. Faculty also created state-wide guidelines for bridge deck de-icing systems to help quickly address dangerous winter bridge deck conditions.
NTC researchers have examined the effect of speed limits on work zone safety, studied ways to improve the safety climate of commercial vehicle operations, and developed advanced techniques to improve safety at intersections and at-grade railroad crossings, which is a major concern throughout much of Nebraska. Safety research involves working closely with the Nebraska Department of Roads to assess and address safety needs, and significantly reduce the number of fatalities on our roadways.
NTC boasts advanced safety testing capabilities, including a crash-testing facility, where remote controlled vehicles manipulated by pulleys are used to test the crashworthiness of guardrails and other roadside equipment. The Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MwRSF) has been approved for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) in the field of safety performance evaluation of highway features and vehicle testing of crash barriers for the tests identified in the Scope of Accreditation.
Publications
- Comparison of Characteristics between Fatal and Injury Accidents in the Highway Construction Zones
- Evaluation of Criteria for Setting Speed Limits on Gravel Roads
- Evaluation of Portable Plastic Rumble Strips at Short-Term Maintenance Work Zones
- Evaluation of Fatality Risk of Older Drivers Based on Per Vehicle Miles of Travel
- Evaluation of Longitudinal Construction Joints on Traffic Operation and Safety
- Highway Safety Issues of Older Drivers in Kansas
- Improving Highway Work Zone Safety
- Improving Safety and Mobility at High Speed Intersection with Innovations in Sensor Technology
- Management's Attitudes toward Safety in Commercial Vehicle Operations
- Younger Driver's Evaluation of Vehicle Mounted Attenuator Markings in Work Zones Using a Driving Simulator