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Research Report 092 Road weather information systems (RWIS)

Published: | Category: Safety, security and public health , Research programme , Research & reports | Audience: General

Ice, frost, snow, fog and high wind are relatively common hazards on many New Zealand roads, and road weather information systems (RWIS) could be expected to make a significant contribution to road safety.

A review of the international scientific and trade literature undertaken in 1994 identifies the nature of RWIS, their capabilities, the benefits arising from their use, and the costs associated with their installation and maintenance.

Potential application of RWIS for icy road conditions in New Zealand is considered by reviewing weather and traffic conditions, accident rates and winter maintenance operations on two segments of state highways that are subject to ice and snow.

Keywords: communication, highways, information systems, New Zealand, roads, road information, road sensors, road weather, safety, skid resistance, systems, traffic, visibility, weather

Publication details

  • Author:
  • Published: 1997
  • Reference: 92