#SAFE Evaluation: Final Report - 2003

Cuelho, Eli; Kack, David; Kalinowski, Audrey · 2003 · ROSA P / Western Transportation Institute

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Summary

This report evaluates the effectiveness and user perceptions of the #SAFE cellular-based travel information system and its successor, the 511 system, in North and South Dakota. The research was motivated by the need to improve service quality and assess the feasibility of a long-term, user-fee-supported program for providing road condition and weather forecasts. The study utilized five distinct surveys conducted between July 2000 and April 2003 to gather data on system availability, accuracy, ease of use, and willingness to pay. The methodology involved mailing surveys to randomly selected households and specific target groups. Surveys I and II targeted cellular phone users, while Survey III focused on maintenance officials. Survey IV expanded to include commercial vehicle operators and non-cellular users, and Survey V assessed the newly implemented 511 system, which is accessible via both landline and cellular phones. Response rates varied, with the maintenance survey achieving a 79.1% return rate, while general public surveys ranged from 20.1% to 33.2%. Data analysis employed summary statistics and chi-squared tests to compare responses across demographic categories, including residence, gender, age, and income. Key findings indicate that the vast majority of respondents primarily used automobiles for travel, with trip purposes dominated by work and recreation. Cellular phone ownership was high among early survey participants, with Cellular One being the most common carrier. Users generally found the #SAFE system accurate, timely, and understandable, though ease of use ratings varied. The transition to the 511 system in Survey V revealed that users preferred identifying their location by city or county when accessing information. While many users found the systems useful for planning trips, particularly during adverse weather conditions, a significant portion of respondents indicated they did not use the services, often citing lack of awareness or habit. Willingness to pay for the service was explored in earlier surveys, providing data for potential funding models. The significance of this evaluation lies in its comprehensive assessment of traveler information needs and system usability over a three-year period. The results provided actionable insights for improving the functionality of the 511 system, such as clarifying location identification methods and enhancing awareness campaigns. By documenting the shift from a cellular-exclusive service to a broader multi-access platform, the report supports the development of sustainable, user-supported travel information programs. The data also highlights demographic differences in system usage, informing targeted outreach strategies for diverse user groups, including commercial drivers and rural residents.

Key finding

Users rated the #SAFE and 511 systems as accurate, understandable, and useful, with high satisfaction in the 511 system's capabilities.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 3430

Provenance

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Topics

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• incidence prevalence

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation
• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence, self report data