Citation

Bowman B, Coleman J. ITE J. 1990; 60(7): 19-24.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The grade severity rating system (GSRS) developed by the Federal Highway Administration which could help reduce the incidence and severity of truck downgrade accidents is discussed. The GSRS is based on brake temperature, and considers gross truck weight in conjunction with the percent downgrade and truck downgrade braking length to develop recommended descent speeds. The recommended speeds for different categories of truck weight are presented to the truck drivers by the 'weight specific speed' (WSS) sign. This GSRS concept was tested at a number of actual downgrades and was determined to give a favorable before-and-after effect at most tested high-severity sites. Details of the use of the GSRS Model are described, and important GSRS and WSS issues are discussed.