WATERSHED, SOIL, AND AIR PROJECT PROPOSAL USDA Forest Service, Technology & Development Program 09-21
Project Name or Title:	Develop a Real-Time Highway Smoke Monitor and Low Visibility Warning S Warning System
Submitted by (your name):	Cindy Huber
Unit name and address:	George Washington and Jefferson NFs, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanok, VA 24019
Telephone:	540-265-5156
IBM or Internet Address:	chuber@fs.fed.us
Date:	March 6, 2008
OVERALL OBJECTIVES/PROBLEM STATEMENT (Describe the problem, how the work is currently being done, and why improvement is needed.)
In spite the best efforts to manage smoke from prescribed burning we continue to see multiple-car highway accidents related to sudden low visibility conditions resulting from ground-level fog and smoke. While fog or smoke alone can reduce visibility conditions; the combination of the two can create a situation with zero visibility and deadly results. When drivers “hit” the zero visibility area, multiple car crashes can occur and some of these accidents result in fatalities. Early morning fog is common in many parts of the southeastern United States, where the majority of prescribed burning occurs. Fire managers are aware of the potential for early morning fog/smoke (usually the worst just around sunrise) and work hand-in-hand with law enforcement to inform driver’s of possible low visibility conditions. It is routine for warning signs to be posted along highways after a prescribed burn, if the area is prone to early morning fog. Even with warning signs, drivers often continue to travel at speeds too high for the visibility conditions, and once in the fog/smoke it can be impossible to find your way to a safe spot.
PROPOSED TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT WORK (Describe your concept of the end product, i.e., a new equipment design, a video production, a guide, etc.)
Design a portable warning system that provides advance notice to fire managers and law enforcement that visibility conditions on roadways are deteriorating so that preventative actions can be taken. The system could employ a real-time fine particulate/visibility monitor (with satellite uplink for communication from offsite) connected to a sign that flashes “Warning – Low Visibilty Ahead – Slow Down” or “Warning - Zero Visibility Ahead” as monitoring results reach certain limits.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS (Describe how this project will improve safety, reduce cost, save time, increase efficiency, provide improved resource management, or increase customer satisfaction.) Reduce the chance of multiple-car accidents related to fog/smoke events by improving on-highway warning of dangerous visibility conditions. Link the system to personnel who have the authority to control traffic.