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Traffic and travel time information posted on dynamic message signs frequently help Wisconsin travelers to adjust travel routes.

In December 2001, the University of Wisconsin surveyed drivers in Wisconsin to assess the impacts of a traveler information system designed to disseminate traffic and travel time information on freeway dynamic message signs throughout Wisconsin. Mail-back questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 428 drivers who resided in 22 counties that were subject to major freeway traffic.

The questionnaire included 38 multiple choice questions (and a comments section) designed to gauge drivers’ opinions of travel conditions, investigate drivers’ knowledge on general freeway issues, and determine user awareness and perception of active incident management programs in Wisconsin. A total of 221 questionnaires were returned and analyzed.

The following bullets highlight general findings related to driver use and satisfaction.

• Winter months (December – March) - Approximately 12% of respondents adjusted their travel routes more than five times per month as a result of the travel time or traffic information provided by the DMS system. Nearly 68% of respondents reported they adjusted their travel routes at least once using the information provided.

• Non-winter months (April – November) - Approximately 18% of respondents adjusted their travel routes more than five times per month as a result of the travel time or traffic information provided by the DMS system. Nearly 72% of respondents reported they adjusted their travel routes at least once using the information provided.

See the related ITS Benefits Database entry for more information.

Past "Benefit of the Month" summaries are also available.