RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in
NCDOT Now, the department's weekly newscast.
Tethered Drones on IMAP Trucks
When motorists are stranded on the side of highways, NCDOT’s Incident Management Assistance Patrol program (IMAP) is there to help.
IMAP trucks are equipped with traffic control devices, fuel, jumper cables and other tools stranded drivers might need.
Now, IMAP trucks have another tool in their arsenal: drones.
Drones will be tethered to IMAP vehicles and ascend up to 150 feet to gather video and livestream it to emergency responders and NCDOT’s traffic management centers. This instant information can be used to better manage traffic and provide drivers with more accurate information after a crash or other incident.
Currently, the IMAP program is making use of two tethered drone systems as a part of this
pilot, courtesy of NCDOT’s Division of Aviation.
For more information on NCDOT’s drone programs, click
here.
If you’re ever stranded on the roadside, please dial “HP” for assistance.
For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on
NCDOT.gov.