COMPANION advanced hazard warning system

Abstract

This paper describes the automatic incident detection (AID) system currently being used as part of a trial of the advance warning system, known as COMPANION, in Scotland. COMPANION consists of flashing posts located on or adjacent to live traffic lanes to pre-warn drivers of incidents ahead. The AID system described in this paper provides the operator with real time traffic data and automatic activation of the hazard warning posts. The paper examines the effects of automating the current hazard warning system and the benefits and limitations of its operation.