Clarus Task Force Data Dissemination and Web Site Disclaimers Clarus ICC Meeting

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Clarus Task ForceData Dissemination and Web
Site Disclaimers Clarus ICC Meeting 5 21
September 2007Kansas City, MO

• Paul A. Pisano
• Team Leader
• Road Weather Management Program
• FHWA

Lynette C. Goodwin Lead Transportation
Engineer ITS Division Noblis
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Overview

• State of the Practice in Data Dissemination
• Benefits of Road Weather Data Dissemination
• Barriers to Dissemination
• Clarus Dissemination Task Force

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State of the Practicein Data Dissemination

• Transportation agencies disseminate various types
  of road weather data.
• Atmospheric observations
• Pavement conditions
• Pavement temperatures
• Subsurface temperatures
• Camera images
• Weather-related road closures

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State of the Practicein Data Dissemination

• Most agencies post disclaimers on their web
  sites. These disclaimers typically cover
• Variability of conditions
• Reliability of technology
• Treatment activities
• Travel advisories
• No guarantee of accuracy
• Indemnification

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Benefits of Dissemination

• Greater data dissemination will result in more
  accurate, route-specific and timely road weather
  information tools and products
• With enhanced tools and products
• Agency personnel can better operate and maintain
  transportation systems and improve productivity
• Drivers can avoid hazards, reduce trip times and
  enjoy more predictable travel

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Benefits of Dissemination

• In Montana, 68 of travelers use 511 before
  making a trip. 22 of these users access road
  weather information.
• In Spokane WA, 94 of travelers indicated that
  the road weather information web site made them
  better prepared to travel. 56 said the site
  helped them avoid delays.

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Dissemination Discussion

• Why are data not shared?
• Are there technological limits?
• Are there liability concerns?
• Do agency policies impose restrictions?

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Dissemination Discussion

• Why are data not shared?
• Why are there differences for traffic and road
  weather data?
• Is it based on public demand for information?
• Do divisions have distinct policies and
  practices?
• What role does the private sector play?

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Dissemination Discussion

• Why are data not shared?
• Why are there differences for traffic and road
  weather data?
• What factors affect data distribution?
• Who establishes policies?
• Who decides what data will be disseminated?
• Who determines disclaimer content?

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Dissemination Discussion

• Why are data not shared?
• Why are there differences for traffic and road
  weather data?
• What factors affect data distribution?
• Has there been litigation related to data
  dissemination?
• What types of data were involved?
• How did disclaimers affect outcomes?

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Clarus Dissemination Task Force

• Potential Task Force Objectives
• Review Clarus data provision and data sharing
  agreements
• Document distribution practices and policies for
  State DOT transportation system data
• Identify key data dissemination issues
• Develop model disclaimers
• Determine how the U.S. DOT can work with state
  agencies to develop joint solutions

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Clarus Dissemination Task Force

• We would like to convene a task force of 7 to 10
  Clarus stakeholders
• Transportation agency personnel
• Private sector data providers
• Would you like to participate in this task force?