9 Synthesis
9.4 System Performance
Respondents noted that the following factors (listed in order of decreasing frequency) affect system performance:
- Accuracy/calibration/sensitivity of sensors;
- Maintenance;
- Weather (especially lightning strikes);
- Reliability of the equipment;
- Environmental factors;
- Vehicle damage to equipment;
- Reliability of cellular communications;
- Loop sensitivity degradation;
- False alarms;
- Lane changing at sensors;
- Quick deceleration at sensors;
- Pavement wear at sensors;
- Tailgating;
- Power supply;
- Radar detector housing filling with water;
- Sensor location;
- Sensor quality; and
- Operator understanding and manipulation of system software.
Most of the systems for which questionnaires were returned are performing satisfactorily; however, most have not undergone formal evaluation of performance and reliability.