TITLE:
Using Connected Truck Trajectory Data to Compare Speeds in States with and without Differential Truck Speeds
AUTHORS:
Jairaj Desai, Jijo Kulathintekizhakethil Mathew, Howell Li, Darcy Michael Bullock
KEYWORDS:
Connected Vehicle Data, Trucks, Differential Speed Limits, Interstates
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Transportation Technologies,
Vol.12 No.4,
September
15,
2022
ABSTRACT: Historically, researchers and practitioners have utilized spot speeds and
microscopic simulation methodologies to
evaluate the operational impact of differential or uniform speed limits
for trucks and passenger vehicles. This paper presents a methodology that uses
connected truck data to develop a statistical characterization
of both passenger car and truck speeds. These techniques were applied to
three adjacent states, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Illinois and Ohio have 70 mph
speed limits for both trucks and cars. Indiana has a differential speed limit
for heavy trucks (65 mph) and passenger cars (70 mph). The statistical
distribution of truck speeds was then compared among Illinois, Indiana and
Ohio. These speeds were derived from over 8 million connected truck records traveling along Interstate 70 in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio during a
one-week period from May 8-14, 2022. Statistical test results over selected
20-mile sections in each state showed that median truck speeds in Indiana with
its differential speed limit of 65 mph were only 1 - 2 mph lesser than the
neighboring states of Illinois and Ohio who observe a uniform speed limit of 70
mph for all traffic.