Traveler Information Messages (TIMs)
The Importance of Traveler Information Messages (TIMs)

In the first of a three-part series on Traveler Information Messages (TIMs), we explore TIMs essential role in enhancing road safety and operational efficiency. We also discuss how TIMs communicate with drivers and common challenges faced by transportation agencies. In the second part, we dive deeper into the in-vehicle delivery of TIMs and their potential to improve driving conditions. 

What Are Traveler Information Messages (TIMs)?

TIMs are geofenced Connected Vehicle messages based on the SAE J2735 standard. TIMs enhance safe and efficient travel on roadways by providing real-time updates to drivers regarding various road conditions, including:

  • Traffic Conditions: Information on congestion, incidents, or road closures.
  • Weather Alerts: Notifications about adverse weather conditions, such as snow, rain, or fog, that may affect driving or even cause road closures.
  • Construction Updates: Alerts about ongoing road work that may affect travel routes, such as changes to speed limits or available lanes.
  • Travel Times: Estimated travel durations for specific routes to help drivers plan accordingly.
  • Emergency Alerts: Notifications about natural disasters, severe weather warnings, or other emergencies that could impact road safety.

Why are Traveler Information Messages (TIMs) Important?

TIMs play an important role in enhancing road safety for drivers. TIMs alert drivers to potential hazards like severe weather, encouraging cautious driving and reducing accident risk. In the event of a primary crash, TIMs can notify approaching vehicles, helping to prevent secondary collisions and protecting both drivers and emergency responders.

In addition to improving safety, TIMs serve as an effective traffic management tool. Transportation agencies can use TIMs to reroute traffic during road closures or construction, which helps maintain smooth traffic flow and ensures public safety.

How are Traveler Information Messages (TIMs) Communicated to Drivers?

For over two decades, federal and state transportation agencies have prioritized providing real-time traveler information. One significant initiative is the 511 system, which is now widely available in almost all states, offering essential information about road conditions. However, despite being widely available and accessible on personal mobile devices, many drivers do not utilize the service.

Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) are another way to deliver real-time TIMs. With the integration of connected vehicle (CV) technology, new opportunities have emerged for enhancing TIM delivery. In-vehicle systems, utilizing C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything communication), satellite, or cellular networks, offer the potential to deliver TIMs directly to drivers.

While the use of connected vehicles for TIM communication is still in development, some states have already implemented systems capable of accommodating these advancements, significantly enhancing the delivery of TIMs.

Part 2

Imagine driving on a seemingly safe, well-maintained road in a remote winter area. Despite clear skies and adherence to speed limits, you unexpectedly encounter a hidden patch of black ice, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. Similarly, you might not notice a stalled vehicle ahead while driving through fog until it's too late to slow down and avoid a collision. These situations are not limited to weather conditions; they can also involve unexpected traffic queues or lane closures due to various events. 

In these cases, the key to avoiding an accident is having advance warning. Drivers need to be aware of hazards before so that they can react appropriately—whether by reducing speed or taking evasive action. While Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) can provide some of this information, they have limited availability and are not capable of delivering geofenced or customized messages. This is where in-vehicle TIMs prove invaluable, delivering customized information tailored to the vehicle's precise location and direction. 

How to Provide In-Vehicle TIMs 

While being able to alert drivers in a vehicle can be extremely valuable, it comes with some risks if the information is not accurate. Since drivers in vehicles are slow to trust and quick to dismiss messages if they are deemed inaccurate, it is essential that DOTs only push reliable TIMs. For in-vehicle TIMs to be accurate, reliable, and timely, several critical components must be in place, including dependable input data and an efficient message creation and delivery system. 

Input Data for TIMs 

The reliability of TIMs depends on the accuracy and trustworthiness of the input data. Most TIMs are generated using data from agencies’ Advanced Transportation Management Systems (ATMS), where information has already been vetted and confirmed as reliable. While some processes can be automated, many still involve human oversight to ensure data accuracy. 

In addition to ATMS data, other potential sources include third-party data, crowdsourced information, Connected Vehicle (CV) data from Basic Safety Messages (BSMs), or data from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). While many of these data sources can be reliable, cross-verifying information from multiple independent sources is recommended. Even with multiple data inputs, agencies should review and approve the information before generating TIMs and delivering them to drivers. 

TIM Creation Process 

The process of creating TIMs can be either manual or automated. Manual TIM creation involves direct input from Traffic Management Center staff, which can be time-consuming and add to their workload, potentially leading to errors or delays in message distribution. 

Automated systems can efficiently analyze available data, generate TIMs, and distribute them to the CV network or third parties for in-vehicle delivery. For instance, CORVUS is a tool capable of automating TIM creation and distribution. Regardless of whether message creation is manual or automated, adhering to established standards is crucial to ensure nationwide TIM interoperability. 

In-Vehicle TIM Delivery 

Several technologies can be used to deliver TIMs directly to vehicles. Connected Vehicle (CV) technology requires significant infrastructure, including Roadside Units (RSUs) and Onboard Units (OBUs) installed in vehicles. CV technology enables not only TIMs but also other important safety messages. As agencies continue to invest in CV infrastructure, this method of communication is expected to become more widespread in the coming years. 

Other delivery methods include third-party services such as navigation apps, radios, or infotainment systems, which are already in place and can communicate TIMs via satellite or cellular networks. Third-party technologies are especially useful in remote or rural areas, where cellular or satellite communications can transmit essential messages like TIMs more easily. To facilitate this, agencies must establish a data exchange platform to manage communication with third parties. One such platform is the Situation Data Exchange (SDX), which allows agencies to send TIMs to third parties for in-vehicle broadcasts. 

Register for our Webinar  

While the implementation process may seem complex, the safety benefits of in-vehicle TIMs far outweigh the challenges. To learn more, stay tuned for the next article, where we will discuss the standards that must be followed. Additionally, we will be hosting a webinar on November 20, 2024, to discuss the common challenges faced by transportation agencies in creating and deploying effective TIMs and examine Trihydro's innovative platforms, CORVUS and SDX. 

In the meantime, connect with our Technology Services & Solutions Team to learn more about how CV technology, like the CORVUS and SDX, can help your agency manage TIMs and data exchange. 

 

Contact Us

Zorica Cvijovic, PhD
Zorica Cvijovic, PhD
Connected Vehicle Strategist, Laramie, Wyoming

Zorica helps organizations navigate the evolving landscape of Connected Vehicle (CV) applications. Leveraging her doctoral research in transportation engineering from the University of Wyoming, she specializes in developing customized CV systems that address specific organizational needs. Actively engaged in the transportation community, she serves on the Connected Transportation Interoperability Committee, the TRB Standing Committee on Freeway Operations, co-chairs the TRB Regional TSMO Emerging Technologies Subcommittee, and is a member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).

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