CHAPTER 4

Pros and Cons of SWZ Technologies

CAV Technologies

The pros and cons of using CAV technologies for SWZs are as follows. (This evaluation is based on a future scenario in which CAVs attain a higher market penetration rate.)

Pros

1. Improved safety: The use of technology can reduce the likelihood of accidents in work zones by providing real-time information to drivers and automatically adjusting traffic patterns to avoid conflicts.
2. Increased efficiency: Connected and automated systems can reduce congestion in work zones by optimizing traffic flow and reducing delays.
3. Better information for drivers: The use of technology can provide drivers with real-time information about road conditions, detours, and changes in traffic patterns to help them make informed decisions about their routes.
4. Reduced emissions: By reducing congestion and delays, connected and automated systems can help reduce emissions from idling vehicles. Electrification for highly automated vehicles will also help reduce emissions.
5. Setup accountability: The use of technology provides data to support the documentation of actual work zone setup, which can be used to verify compliance with work zone designs. Processes must be put into place to verify work zone designs because the same data could be used to document setup deficiencies should they occur.

Cons

1. Cost: Implementing and maintaining connected and automated systems can be expensive.
2. Complexity: Because the technology involved in connected and automated systems can be complex, these systems may be difficult for some drivers to understand and use.
3. Funding: Lack of available funding required to implement CAV operations has been identified in previous surveys as a drawback (Brown and Edara 2022).
4. Training and staffing: Agency understaffing and lack of training constitute another major drawback to implementing work zone CAV operations (Brown and Edara 2022).
5. Dependence on technology: Reliance on technology can increase the risk of its failure or malfunction, which can disrupt traffic flow and cause confusion for drivers.
6. Privacy concerns: The use of CAV technologies raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of data collected from vehicles and drivers.

Crowdsourced Data/Smartphone Applications

The pros and cons of using crowdsourced data/smartphone applications for SWZ systems are discussed below.

Pros

1. Real-time information: Crowdsourced data can provide real-time information about road conditions, traffic patterns, and incidents, thereby allowing for more accurate and up-to-date traveler information.
2. Large pool of data: With millions of users, crowdsourced data platforms have a large pool of data that can provide a more comprehensive view of road conditions.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Crowdsourced data platforms are often free and can provide valuable information without the need for expensive infrastructure or technology.
4. User-friendliness: Crowdsourced data platforms are typically user-friendly and easy to start using, which makes them accessible to a wide range of drivers.

Cons

1. Accuracy: The accuracy of crowdsourced data depends on the reliability of the information provided by users, which may be inconsistent or incorrect.
2. Data integration: Data may require integration with other sources before they can be reliably utilized or disseminated.
3. Data management: Integrating crowdsourced data into traveler information systems and other work zone use cases may be challenging and require significant resources and technical expertise.
4. Data costs: Access to crowdsourced data from third-party vendors may be cost prohibitive in certain areas and districts.
5. Training and staffing: Agency understaffing and lack of training constitute another major drawback to implementing SWZ technology with crowdsourced data (Brown and Edara 2022).
6. Limited availability: Crowdsourced data platforms may not be available in all areas, especially in rural or remote regions. The unavailability of cellular connectivity (Internet) in remote areas prevents drivers from sending/receiving data to/from crowdsourced data platforms.
7. Privacy concerns: Crowdsourced data platforms collect and use data from users, which raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of data.
8. Navigation routing: The limited influence over alternate routes afforded by crowdsourced navigation platforms has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of planned detours.

Speed Safety Camera Systems

The pros and cons of using speed safety camera systems in work zones are discussed below.

Pros

1. Increased worker safety and accident reduction: Automated systems can help reduce speeding in work zones, which can improve worker safety and reduce accidents.
2. Increased law enforcement safety: Automated systems can provide additional support to law enforcement precincts with limited resources as well as limit pull-over interactions related to speed violations.
3. Consistent enforcement: Automated systems provide consistent enforcement, which can help to enforce speed limits fairly and effectively.

4. Improved compliance: Automated systems can improve compliance with speed limits in work zones, which can help reduce the number of crashes and incidents.

Cons

1. Cost: The initial cost of installing and maintaining speed safety camera systems can be high.
2. Privacy concerns: Some people may be concerned about the use of automated systems for enforcement purposes, as they may feel that it is an infringement on their privacy.
3. Technical issues: Automated systems can experience technical issues that can affect their accuracy and reliability.
4. Equitable enforcement: There is concern regarding equitable placement of automated systems to ensure they are not concentrated in areas with underserved populations, such as communities of color.
5. Public, policy, and political opposition: There may be public and political opposition to the use of automated safety enforcement (ASE) systems, especially if people feel that they are being unfairly targeted. Furthermore, several states have laws that ban the use of ASE systems, while others may not have the legal framework in place to implement these systems.