Developing an In-Service Performance Evaluation (ISPE) for Roadside Safety Features in Texas (0-4366-1)

Current methodologies for the in-service performance evaluation (ISPE) of roadside safety features are not viable and practical for all state departments of transportation. The research team developed an ISPE process that is sensitive to the data and resource constraints of TxDOT. The following methodology was used to develop the TxDOT-ISPE process: identify the objectives of the ISPE, estimate expected extent of data collection, evaluate existing DOT procedures and organizational structure, identify features to be included in the ISPE, develop framework for an ideal ISPE, identify system constraints within the DOT, identify alternative methodologies and data sources for the ISPE, design a DOT-specific ISPE process, design and conduct a pilot test of the ISPE, evaluate the data collection methodology and data quality during the pilot test, and recommend an ISPE process for TxDOT. A two-phase ISPE process was developed and tested to meet the specific needs of TxDOT. In Phase I, the data collection form included basic information such as accident date, location, whether the vehicle rolled over or not, whether the crash was fatal or not, the specific device that was hit, and an evaluation of whether the system performed as intended or not. If the Phase I process identified a device having a high rate of failure, a Phase II investigation of that device was recommended. Phase II required detailed information regarding the layout and specific features of the particular device that was impacted, and a detailed investigation into the impact performance of the device. ISPE site inspection forms and training materials along with a recommended ISPE procedure were prepared as part of the project.