HomeMy WebLinkAboutA2. MDOT Award for TrailerCommission Memorandum – STEP Radar Display Trailer 08.03.15
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Steve Crawford, Chief of Police
Rich McLane, Deputy Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Award from Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to receive Select Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Equipment Grant funds to purchase a hybrid RADAR/Message Board trailer pursuant to grant application submitted previously.
MEETING DATE: August 3, 2015
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize Chris Kukulski to accept award with MDT to receive $11,050.00 in funding from a STEP Equipment Grant for the purchase of a hybrid RADAR/Message Board.
BACKGROUND: For over 10 years, the City of Bozeman has received funding to augment
current patrol efforts toward addressing unsafe driving issues, in particular driving under the
influence of alcohol, failing to wear safety belts and identifying and enforcing other traffic violations that are un-safe or dangerous. This funding pays for overtime efforts of uniform
officers working additional hours or shifts with a focus on these unsafe driving behaviors.
This year MDT has decided to use some of this funding to allow participating STEP agencies to
purchase equipment that can be used to further the overall traffic safety mission. This unit can
be used for everything from a speed data collection device to an advisory tool that can display speed dependent messages to passing motorists. It can also be used to display important public safety messages about roadway conditions, traffic delays, amber alerts or endangered
individuals.
The trailer and display we have in mind can be used in several capacities. We can display the
driver’s speed and display speed dependent messages. Meaning a motorist traveling 5 miles an hour over the posted speed limit would see a different message than those traveling 10 or 15
miles an hour over. This provides instant feedback to motorists and promotes compliance. For
instance, at the speed of 25 MPH (in a 25 MPH zone) the display would read “YOUR SPEED
25”, while at a speed of 35 the display would read “SLOW DOWN 35”. This trailer would be
used substantially in this speed mode, as we currently only have one speed trailer and have had huge demand in using the display to help slow drivers on various streets that generally don’t get
as much officer presence.
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Commission Memorandum – STEP Radar Display Trailer 08.03.15
The display can also be used as a source of information or education. It could be posted prior to
a crash or crime scene to warn of traffic delays, safety concerns and/or advise motorists to use an
alternate route. The sign can display up to 3 lines, at 12 characters per line. It could be used Downtown on a Friday and Saturday night to remind bar patrons.
“(line 1) DON’T DRINK (line 2) AND DRIVE”.
“(line 1) DRUNK DRIVING (line 2) USE (line 3) STREAMLINE”.
The display could be used at any major event like MSU football games which typically cause traffic congestion and poor driving behavior as a result of impatience and frustration. We
anticipate placing the sign on ingress corridors during high ice or slippery road conditions to
warn drivers of icy roads. The sign can also be used to display reminder messages that help
prevent crashes or injuries. “(line 1) NO CELL USE (line 2) WHILE DRIVING”;
“(line 1) TEXTS (line 2) EQUALS (line 3) WRECKS”
“(line 1) ONE TEXT OR (line 2) CALL COULD (line 3) WRECK IT ALL”
“(line 1) SEAT BELTS (line 2) SAVE LIVES”
Examples of messages:
The use of messaging to improve driver’s safety has been an effective strategy embraced by the Montana Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). MDT “Vision Zero MT is a program geared toward eliminating deaths and injuries
on Montana roadways. The use of messaging helps fill an education piece that compliments
high-visibility enforcement and safe engineering of roadways to save lives.
“(line 1) CLICK IT (line 2) OR TICKET”; “(line 1) CLICK IT (line 2) EVERY TIME (line 3) ALL THE TIME”;
“(line 1) U DRIVE (line 2) U TEXT (line 3) YOU PAY”
“(line 1) DRIVE SOBER (line 2) OR GET (line 3) PULLED OVER”
“(line 1) BUZZED (line 2) DRIVING IS (line 3) DRUNK DRIVING” This display trailer goes hand in hand with the Bozeman Community Transportation Safety Plan,
particularly in regard to conducting general media outreach on the importance of seat belt use
and non-use of cell phone while driving.
The device can be used as a speed data collection device. The trailer can be stationed in an area without activating the message board to collect data on normal traffic flow. This data can be
used to determine if deploying human resources is warranted. This function can be used in
conjunction with other traffic safety studies to assist in traffic/roadway engineering. We will be
able to download traffic speed and volume data or change the messages from anywhere with
cellular coverage.
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Commission Memorandum – STEP Radar Display Trailer 08.03.15
Non-rolling, non-flashing message
1-3 lines of messaging
Maximum characters – 12 per line
Will have Police markings on trailer and use of cones for safety
Messages can be changed remotely
Can gather Speed data
On March 30, 2015, we were informed by MDT that this grant request was partially granted, in the amount of $11,050. We have not accepted this award yet, pending formal approval by you.
In May 2015, we applied for and received $2,000 in grant funds from the Gallatin County DUI
Task Force in support of this trailer. This contribution represents a partnership approach to education efforts to deter impaired and unsafe driving.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES: The use of this trailer and display sign is an authorized exception
pursuant to Bozeman Municipal Code 38.28.050, which states, “Signs exempt from permit
requirements: “3.a. Directional, warning, street, traffic control, informational or temporary
special event signs that are erected, installed or placed by or on behalf of any federal, state, county or city government.”
We recognize the need to use messaging and placement of the sign in a manner that does not
create an unnecessary or dangerous distraction. This display will not use any rolling or flashing
messages and any message and placement of the display will be in an effort to improve the safety
of drivers or pedestrians.
ALTERNATIVES: As recommended by the Commission.
FISCAL EFFECTS: With the funding from the DUI Task Force of $2,000, the remaining cost
to the city for the purchase is $2,512. There will be an annual software renewal after the first 2
years of $500/year.
ATTACHMENTS: Original Signed application
Contract CTS Number 108263
REPORT COMPILED ON: July 2, 2015
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