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Being a truck driver for 24 years, local resident Scott Sandoval is familiar with the dangers of U.S. 30, and said he knows of a possible remedy to the current traffic situation.
On his travels throughout the country, Sandoval said he encountered a signal warning system in Ohio he believes could prevent the accidents and close calls U.S. 30 is all-too familiar with.
The system is called "Prepare to Stop When Flashing," and consists of signs with yellow lights, located a quarter-mile before an intersection, that blink only when an automobile will experience a red light at an upcoming crossing. Through traffic calculations, signs linked to the stoplights take into account the distance to the intersection and speed limit of the highway to figure when and if the yellow light should flash to warn a driver of the approaching stoplight.
"This is the smartest thing I've ever seen for this type of application," Sandoval said. "It just bugs me hearing about all the people dying in these accidents. This could be the answer."
Sandoval said the PTSWF system allowed him to adjust his speeds to stop a tractor-trailer he was driving for a red light during a large ice storm last winter.
"If it can help me to stop in the worst weather conditions, then it should work almost every time," Sandoval said. "At least this will train the honest guy and help prevent these horrible accidents."
As much as Sandoval and other drivers might appreciate the system, the Indiana Department of Transportation does not use PTSWF technology.
In an e-mail from Carl Tuttle, manager of INDOT's office of traffic engineering in the highway operation division, the state does not utilize PTSWF because, "if the flashing beacon light bulb burns out, the motorist is not given the intended warning.
"With the 'Prepare to Stop When Flashing' sign, motorists tend to rely on the sign flashing when the traffic signal is about to turn red or is red," Tuttle said. "In the absence of the flashing beacon, the motorists believe that they are clear to go through without slowing or preparing to stop."
According to Tuttle, INDOT uses a "Signal Ahead" warning sign with beacons continuously flashing to warn motorists of an upcoming traffic intersection.
Eric Pfenning, Ohio Department of Transportation engineer, said another option is a multi-loop system that extends the green light time for vehicles traveling at high speeds through the "dilemma zone" before an intersection. This procedure identifies gaps in traffic and activates a yellow then red light only when drivers are least vulnerable.
"It's apparent we need to change what we have now," Sandoval said. "This (PTSWF) system can save lives, and that's ultimately what needs to happen."
