The study evaluated the utility of a telephone system in assisting motorists disabled on a rural limited-access highway. The traveling public's need for a motorist aid system on the Adirondack Northway (I-87), the acutal and potential use of the system, and the system's effectiveness were determined. Analysis showed that truck drivers, people driving at night, weekend travelers, and motorists using the Northway in winter used the system more than other travelers and that, of all variables tested, traffic volume is the most reliable predictor of telephone use. The study showed that the system operates well, having few breakdowns and needing little maintenance, and that it meets the needs of Northway travelers. The cost of the system per call was found to be much higher than that of telephone systems in use on urban highways, due to the relatively small number of calls on the Northway. However, when the Northway system was compared to other rural systems, it proved to be superior to them, both in terms of cost and in benefits provided. Ways of improving the system and the applicability of such a system to other limited-access highways are discussed.


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    Title :

    Northway Emergency Telephone System


    Contributors:
    D. A. Green (author) / H. A. Bregman (author)

    Publication date :

    1974


    Size :

    58 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English