The True Cost of Tapco’s Flood Warning and Overheight Vehicle Detection Systems

The most important value of these systems comes from the lives that can be saved when drivers are directed away from dangerous hazards.

The information below comes from the following two articles:

“FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Overheight Vehicle Detection Systems” posted by Nick Schmidling on April 8, 2020

“The Real Cost of a High Water Warning System” posted by Robert Kurka on February 17, 2021

How does an overheight vehicle detection system (OHVDS) work?

By detecting vehicles that won’t clear the structure ahead, notifying drivers of height restrictions via LED-enhanced alerts, ?audible alarms, or connected vehicle interface (CVI) or a combinationcombination of these [MM1]?and directing drivers to an alternate route, an overheight vehicle detection system (OHVDS) can prevent disastrous collisions at low bridges, tunnels, weigh stations, underpasses, parking structures and other low-clearance locations.

Why do overheight collisions happen?

Distracted or tired driving is a common factor, as well as drivers who are unfamiliar with their route. When these drivers don’t notice or pay attention to static signs about clearance heights, disaster can strike.

In addition, drivers new to driving box trucks may forget about fluctuating truck heights due to ever-changing loads or be unused to paying attention to clearance heights. For example, parents renting a small box truck to drop off their college student’s belongings at the start of the school year may have never driven such a tall vehicle before, or vacationers driving a motorized camper in an unknown city or town. ?OHVDS can help to prevent such incidents and help to save lives.

Why should I invest in TAPCO’s system?

If the system prevents even one collision, it can easily pay for itself. As mentioned above, average repairs due to an overheight vehicle impact are $200,000 to $300,000, with the total cost of repairing a bridge easily reaching the millions. Add in the associated costs of local traffic congestion, new route planning and insurance premium hikes, and one damage-causing strike can decimate the budget of any city or roadway authority.

Most importantly, some overheight collisions cost people their lives.

For example, when an overheight vehicle hit a bridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee and caused a beam to collapse, the beam then crushed a car passing underneath.

Fortunately, the driver’s injuries were not life-threatening, but it could easily have been much worse.

According to the Chattanooga mayor, the collision occurred near one of the most heavily trafficked intersections nationwide — and permanent repairs took weeks.

In addition, the overheight driver fled the scene after hitting the bridge. Systems like TAPCO’s feature an optional camera that captures images of overheight activations, enabling law enforcement to track down these drivers.

High Water Warning System

Drivers may incorrectly assume the water on a flooded road is not too deep to drive in, not realizing only twelve inches of water can sweep their cars away. In fact, the National Weather Service estimates that flash floods kill about 127 people in the United States each year, with half of those deaths being vehicle-related. This is incredibly topical after the devastating flooding in Western Canada last year.

Given this significant danger, many local governments are choosing to invest in high water warning systems. These systems are triggered by rising water levels and immediately activate weatherproof LED-enhanced warning alerts to indicate a roadway is under high-water conditions.

Flooding can occur with little warning, especially in cities below sea level or with unreliable or inadequate drainage. It only takes six inches of water to reach the bottom of most passenger cars and potentially cause loss of control, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The Upfront Cost of a High Water Warning System

High water warning systems come in a range of prices depending on the location, arrangement and sensor selection of the specific system. While a simple, single-pole and AC-powered system may be priced around $3,000, a more complex system with radio technology, illuminators and cameras can reach roughly $30,000.

Price is most significantly influenced by how many customizable features are added to a system. Several poles may be installed instead of one and cameras can be added for visual confirmation of system activation. Solar power options allow for these systems to be placed virtually anywhere.

The True Value of a High Water Warning System

A high water warning system can not only alert drivers to hazardous flooded roads, but also save municipalities time and resources in the long run.

The most important value of a high?-water warning system comes from the lives that can be saved when drivers are directed away from flooded roadways. Catching a driver’s attention with flashing LED warning alerts prevents them from navigating flooded roadways that may appear deceptively shallow.

Every second counts with rapidly rising flood waters.?Warning systems provide immediate detection and notification to drivers, first responders and law enforcement.

High water warning systems can also conserve time and precious resources during weather emergencies by eliminating the need for first responders to barricade or cone flooded areas.

Each Overheight vehicle collision has the potential of causing severe injuries and can also cost an average of $200,000 to $300,000 per incident and total costs often climb even higher. Thus, if an overheight warning system prevents even one collision, it can save lives and easily pay for itself.

These systems also protect infrastructure from being damaged by vehicles entering flooded areas, with some communities even seeing lower insurance rates after the installation of a high-water warning system.

Next Webinar:

Stinson ITS Webinar #20 – TAPCO’s Flood Warning and Overheight Vehicle Detection Systems

Please join us for our next webinar on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 @ 1:00 EDT to learn more. Tapco will be joining us to highlight the systems, their value proposition, and will offer their design and consultation expertise.