High Wind Warning System to Prevent Overturning Truck Crashes in Wyoming

Wyoming has frequent severe wind conditions, particularly in the southeast corner of the state along Interstates 80 and 25. The high winds interfere with the performance of the transportation system, blowing vehicles off the road, or even overturning high profile trucks, which can cause economic losses and safety concerns. This paper develops a multiple logistic regression model that explores the relationship between the likelihood of overturning truck crashes and weather variables collected by a nearby Road Weather Information System at the time the crash occurred. Based on the results of the model and historical truck crash data, a three operational level High Wind Warning System is introduced for use by the Wyoming Department of Transportation to improve truck safety along a hazardous corridor on Interstate 25.