WTI

Redding Responder - Phase 2

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Redding Responder Field Test
   1. Doug Galarus, Leann Koon
   2. 4W1092_UTC_Responder_Field_Test.pdf

Project Objective

To evaluate and prepare for full corporate deployment of the Responder System, an at-scene incident information collection, sharing, and incident support information framework for remote rural areas.

Project Abstract

The Responder System integrates hardware, software, and communications to provide incident responders, particularly those in remote rural areas, with a structured, easy to use means for collection and digital communication of incident information. The Responder pilot deployment has been developed with an emphasis on ease of use and usability. Phase 2 will continue to emphasize these attributes with a goal of enabling virtually all prospective responders to use the system with minimal training and assistance. In Phase 2, the WTI Project Team will assist Caltrans in developing a business case to determine whether and how to proceed with full deployment. WTI will evaluate hardware to reduce the size of equipment and to “harden” the system for use in extreme heat and cold. Software will be finalized to accommodate hardware updates and to increase usability and robustness of the system. The system will then be installed in vehicles for testing by several crews over one to two months during a time period in which incidents and usage are most likely to occur. The system will be evaluated under real use situations with criteria including ease of use, usefulness and reliability.

Task Descriptions

1. Evaluation
   1. An unbiased evaluation will be conducted and reported covering all aspects of the project. Final products of this task will include an evaluation and summary and a needs and requirements analysis summary.
2. Project Management
   1. The WTI project team will work with the Caltrans project champion and project manager to ensure that Caltran’s needs are fully understood and addressed.
3. On-Going Development and Documentation
   1. The WTI project team will evaluate field-ready, hardened components for use within the system, and will integrate selected components into a system that can be incorporated into a maintenance vehicle. Shock and water resistance, and capability to operate in extreme cold and heat are particularly important. With guidance from Caltrans, the team will further develop hardware and software to meet these challenges. Final projects of this task include an updated user guide and a system management and maintenance guide.
4. Pilot Testing - Unsupervised
   1. The WTI project team will develop training materials and conduct training sessions to prepare crews for pilot testing. In conjunction, and in cooperation with Caltrans, the system will be installed in crew vehicles with an unsupervised pilot test performed over several months, ideally testing during the winter or spring months.
5. Business Case Development
   1. The WTI project team will assist Caltrans in developing a business case for use in a Feasibility Study Report (FSR).

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Mobile data terminal, data communication, incident management

Partners

Caltrans DRI, Caltrans District 2