Crash Testing and Evaluation of the ITS Call Box

The MTC SAFEs sought to increase the functionality of their call box installations by adding an interface to traffic management devices. Such management devices could collect traffic census data; obtain traffic counts, flows and speeds for incident detection; report information from roadside weather information systems; control changeable message signs; and control roadside closed-circuit television cameras. These "smart call boxes" will play an integral part in Intermodal Transportation Systems (ITS) projects. The ITS call boxes will serve a dual purpose: first, they will serve their current function of motorist aid and second, they will act as telemetry devices. They will gather traffic data be it video, speed, or traffic counts, and send the information to traffic operations centers. Personnel at the MTC SAFEs requested TTI crash test and evaluate the safety performance of their ITS Call Box installation in accordance with NCHRP Report 350, as had been done with the modified Type F Call Box and the Type B and Type C Call Box. The crash tests performed and evaluated were NCHRP Report 350 test 3-60 and NCHRP Report 350 test 3-61. The ITS Call Box met the evaluation criteria for NCHRP Report tests 3-60 and 3-61.