<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="https://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
    <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <description></description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>RES2023-24: Informed Safety, Mobility and Driver Comfort Enhancement Practices for Work Zones</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480317</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study leverages high-fidelity observational data to analyze driver behavior and vehicle dynamics within work zones (WZs) on Tennessee’s interstate highways, aiming to evaluate critical aspects of safety, mobility, and driver comfort. Data were collected over several months from global positioning system (GPS), IMU sensors, and video recordings on commercial  vehicles traveling through two active WZs on I-40 near Jackson, Tennessee. By using precise, sensor-based measurements of speed, acceleration, heading, and lane position, this research offers a detailed, real-time perspective on how WZ conditions influence driver behavior. The observational data reveal distinct patterns, such as increased speed variability and frequency of lane changes within WZs, which are indicative of driver discomfort and potential evasive actions. The analysis also shows that specific WZ configurations, including barrier placement and lane narrowing, impact driver response differently across locations, underscoring the importance of tailored Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) strategies. This study suggests that by leveraging high-fidelity data, traffic 
management can adopt more adaptive measures—such as dynamic speed feedback and improved visual guidance—to enhance safety and driving experience in WZs. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of driver-vehicle interaction under varying WZ conditions, offering valuable insights for future WZ design and management.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:03:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2480317</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Driving Futures: Empowering Tribal Communities through CDL Training Hub and Infrastructure Sustainability</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2447298</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project outlines the benefits of establishing a testing hub for certifications such as Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) and Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) certifications. The creation of a centralized testing hub will increase convenience and efficiency for candidates by streamlining administrative processes, providing standardized evaluations, and ensuring quality assurance and integrity in assessments. This hub will serve as a focal point for educational resources and training opportunities for both CDL and HEO candidates.

By facilitating collaboration among tribal schools, workforce development organizations, and other stakeholders, the testing hub will contribute to economic growth while improving safety standards within the transportation and heavy equipment industries. The project aims to establish a testing hub at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) to benefit students and professionals from tribal schools across North Dakota.

The project will impact various sectors, including transportation education, workforce development, and safety standards, ultimately leading to a more efficient and effective workforce. This testing hub will support both CDL and HEO certification processes, creating a centralized and standardized approach that benefits candidates, local industries, and the region as a whole.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Nov 2024 17:45:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2447298</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4935:  Orange Contrast Markings in Work Zones</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434097</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will quantify the safety of orange contrast pavement markings in work zones allowing for better decision making at the state level. Crash reductions from this project have the potential to save lives and reduce the costs to the economy. This project will also identify public opinion and commercial vehicle driver response to orange markings in work zones.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:15:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2434097</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Factors Affecting Recruitment Retention and Safety of Commercial Drivers: Supervisory Styles, Safety Culture and Long Work Hours</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2379556</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Commercial truck drivers are an essential component of the national supply chain ensuring the timely and safe delivery of goods to manufacturers and retail outlets. However, the alarming increase in driver turnover post-pandemic and national shortages in qualified workers in the transportation industry are continuing cause for concern. The present study proposes to develop a model of the factors contributing to driver turnover and retention for use in ongoing recruitment and selection efforts based on a national survey of existing, but satisfied and experienced drivers. Identification of key factors can lead to increased retention of qualified and satisfied workers throughout the industry.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2024 15:13:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2379556</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>NICC’s CDL and Safe Driver Training Program Yr1-3</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342028</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC) is a minority serving land grant institution with four campuses: The college’s Macy Campus is on the Omaha Reservation; the Santee Campus is on the Santee Reservation while the unban campus is in South Sioux City (all situated in USDOT Region 7). NICC also operates a fourth campus in conjunction with the Pawnee Nation in Oklahoma. Transportation safety is a major concern on Native American reservations. NICC will create a safe driving institute, offering free driver education and training on safe operation of personal and commercial vehicles. The project will create safer travel conditions on reservations and alleviate the acute nationwide commercial motor vehicle driver shortage.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:45:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2342028</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Improving Commercial Vehicle Safety through University Partnerships with a Focus on Technologies and Tools to Promote Safe Driving Behaviors and to Identify High-Risk Corridors</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2270061</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Working with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in a cooperative agreement, the overall goal of this project is to improve commercial vehicle safety through sharing research and best practices in the areas of technologies and tools to promote safe driving behaviors and to identify high-risk corridors. This will be accomplished through two strategies. The first strategy will be to document and share best practices of university partnerships with state law enforcement and driver licensing agencies to improve commercial vehicle safety related to technologies and tools to promote safe driving behaviors and to identify high-risk corridors throughout the Western Service Center region. The second strategy will be to provide resources through the Commercial Vehicle Safety Center at NDSU-UGPTI as a point of contact for universities, law enforcement, and driver licensing agencies seeking assistance to establish partnerships to improve commercial vehicle safety, in particular in the areas of technologies and tools to promote safe driving behaviors and to identify high-risk corridors.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:28:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2270061</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4803:  Communication of Fixed and Mobile Warnings to Commercial Trucks Using In Cab Notification</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2238785</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will develop a working group including INDOT District and Central Office staff to coordinate with commercial vehicle in cab telematics companies to develop process for providing both automated and manual alerts to commercial trucks in Indiana. We plan to use CV data to evaluate an Ohio deployment to help inform us on best practices and expected impact.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:38:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2238785</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Determining the Effectiveness of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alerts
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2236968</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Alerting motorists, in particular commercial vehicles, to upcoming hazards such as congestion, incidents, an end of a stopped traffic queue, etc. is very important in the safety and mobility of Ohio's roadway system. While placing physical infrastructure, such as Dynamic Message Signs, along the roadways is a good way to communicate these hazards to motorists, it also faces challenges, such as locations of signs (they can't be everywhere) and their cost (not only for installation, but maintenance as well). Because of these challenges, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is interested in methods to get information directly into vehicles and specifically into the cabs of commercial vehicles. ODOT currently has a contract with a third-party data vendor, Drivewyze, who ingests congestion and sudden slowdown data to display said data as alerts to commercial vehicles using their in-cab Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). Through this research project, ODOT would like to identify the effectiveness and benefit/cost of such a system, the penetration rate of these types of alerts to commercial motor vehicles, and if other alternatives exist that should be pursued by the department.

The goal of this research is to determine the effectiveness of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alerts (CVSA).  Objectives include (1) analyzing ODOT's current system with Drivewyze; (2) determining the availability and effectiveness of alternative platforms/systems; (3) investigating the potential for an increase in benefits with an expanded system; and (4) evaluating future methods of improvement based on new technologies and data available. The findings from this research will help ODOT understand the accuracy, reliability and reach of CVSA. This will help decision makers inform ODOT's larger strategic direction for CVAS services.                    ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:40:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2236968</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4836:  Best Practices for Implementing Driving Simulators in INDOT Driver Training</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209661</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Driving simulators can provide many benefits, such as safely training drivers for adverse weather and road conditions. However, there is a lack of information about the effectiveness of this type of training and initial equipment cost is expensive. Therefore, the present project provides the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) with best practices in the use of driving simulators in their driver training programs by (a) identifying ideal modules for new INDOT CDL drivers and snowplow drivers, trainees’ perceptions, and performance, and (b) elaborating a business case that explores other agencies experiences and potential to maximize the equipment investments to state constituents.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:49:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2209661</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Examining the Seizure Standard for CMV Drivers</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077930</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This research would examine whether and to what extent the current physical qualifications relating to seizures [49 CFR § 391.41(b)(8)] impact safety and whether the standard should be removed or changed. In addition to reviewing the literature, the research team may seek to evaluate the safety performance of drivers who have been granted hearing exemptions by FMCSA.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:48:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077930</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Effect of the Length of Medical Certification on Safety</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077928</link>
      <description><![CDATA[FMCSA relies on the certified medical examiner to assess and determine if the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver meets the physical qualification requirements cited in 49 CFR 391.41. The maximum time a medical examiner can certify a driver is 2 years. The medical examiner can, however, certify for a period of time less than 2 years. Drivers with specific medical conditions require more frequent certification. For example, drivers with the following conditions can be certified for a maximum of 1 year: 
(1) hypertension (high blood pressure) stable on treatment; 
(2) heart disease; 
(3) drivers qualified under 391.64 the original diabetes and vision waiver program; 
(4) drivers qualified under the new insulin and vision exemption program; 
(5) driving in exempt intra-city zone If the medical examiner determines that condition requires more frequent monitoring, the medical examiner may certify the driver for 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or other timeframe.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:48:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2077928</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fatigue, Health and CMV Driving Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1765625</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Driver fatigue as a factor contributing to accidents and crashes involving commercial vehicles remains a top priority in improving transportation safety. Research has investigated the role of long work hours, job stress, personality characteristics including empathy and aggressiveness as significant influences on transportation safety. The Department of Transportation (DOT) suspended the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers during the coronavirus pandemic. The suspension was intended to ensure continuation of essential services as delivery demands soared. Changes in the hours of service rules due to emergency conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 have created conditions that may affect driver behavior and transportation safety. The present study examines the role of fatigue, personality characteristics, long work hours and commercial vehicle driver behavior in relation to traffic citations, accidents and crashes. Comparisons of current number of hours driven, psychological mood, stress and other personality characteristics along with indicators of driver safety will be made with data collected prior to the pandemic. Results of the study will document changes in fatigue and driver safety during the pandemic emergency and contribute to the validation of an effective personality measure and screening instrument to identify safe and effective commercial vehicle operators.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:35:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1765625</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing and Improving the Cognitive and Visual Driving Fitness of CDL Drivers – Phase III</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1662915</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Driving is a highly dynamic task that requires intact cognitive and visual skills to perform safely. Driving commercial vehicles require even more careful planning and consideration to avoid unanticipated shifts in the center of gravity associated with sharp turns while speeding (slushing) associated with sharp braking. Such planning and consideration are highly dependent on cognitive and visual skills for accuracy. In the first year of this proposal, the research team developed a driving fitness assessment battery that consisted of tests that have been shown in the geriatric literature to be reliable and valid measures of driving-related cognitive and visual skills. In year 2, the team began recruitment for CDL drivers over age 18 to: (1) Assess their cognitive and visual fitness; (2) Establish the usefulness and effectiveness of these tests to drivers before embarking on the journey; and (3) Identify potential risk factors that contribute to unsafe driving. The team anticipates that this part of the study will be helpful in identifying drivers who have cognitive and/or visual impairments that may make driving a commercial vehicle unsafe. A unique aspect of this part of the study is the possibility of improving driving fitness by offering drivers with demonstrated cognitive and visual deficits the opportunity to retrain and improve such skills in a technologically advanced high fidelity simulator. In Year 3, the team plans to begin year 2 testing from their year 1 subjects and start pupillary tracking as a measure of cognitive load. 

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:58:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1662915</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Assessing and Improving the Cognitive and Visual Driving Fitness of CDL Drivers – Phase II</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1582364</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Driving is a highly dynamic task that requires intact cognitive and visual skills to perform safely. Driving commercial vehicles require even more careful planning and consideration to avoid unanticipated shifts in the center of gravity associated with sharp turns while speeding (slushing) or liquid surge with hazardous materials associated with sharp braking. Such planning and consideration are highly dependent on cognitive and visual skills for accuracy. In the first year of this proposal, the research team developed a driving fitness assessment battery that consisted of tests that have been shown in the geriatric literature to be reliable and valid measures of driving-related cognitive and visual skills. In year 2, the team began recruitment for CDL drivers over age 18 to: 1. Assess their cognitive and visual fitness, 2. Establish the usefulness and effectiveness of these tests to drivers before embarking on the journey, and 3. Identify potential risk factors that contribute to unsafe driving. The team anticipates that this part of the study will be helpful in identifying drivers who have cognitive and/or visual impairments that may make driving a commercial vehicle unsafe. A unique aspect of this part of the study is the possibility of improving driving fitness by offering drivers with demonstrated cognitive and visual deficits the opportunity to retrain and improve such skills in a technologically advanced high fidelity simulator. 

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2019 16:37:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1582364</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Report on CDL Skills Test Delays (FAST Act - Section 5506)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1455375</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pursuant to Section 5506 of the FAST Act, FMCSA is currently working to develop a report that: 
•	Describes, for each State, the status of skills testing for applicants for a commercial driver’s license, including: 
-	The average wait time from the date an applicant requests to take a skills test to the date the applicant has the opportunity to complete such test. 
-	The average wait time from the date an applicant, upon failure of a skills test, requests a retest to the date the applicant has the opportunity to complete such retest. 
-	The actual number of qualified commercial driver’s license examiners available to test applicants.  
-	The number of testing sites available through the State department of motor vehicles and whether this number has increased or decreased from the previous year. 
•	Describes specific steps that the Administrator is taking to address skills testing delays in States that have average skills test or retest wait times of more than 7 days from the date an applicant requests to test or retest to the date the applicant has the opportunity to complete such test or retest. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:16:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1455375</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>