Discuss the moving observer method for measuring running speed and journey speed

The moving Observer Method is also known as the “Floating Car Method “

In this method, a test vehicle is driven over a given course of travel at approximately the average speed of the stream, thus trying to float with the traffic stream.

• Several test runs are made throughout the entire study and a group of observers are made to record the various details.
• One observer is seated in the moving car with two stopwatches.
  • One stopwatch is used to record the time at various control points like intersections, bridges or any other fixed points in each trip.
  • The other stopwatch is used to find the time taken in every single delay. time, location and cause of these delays are recorded properly.
• The second observer either be with suitable tabular forms or by voice recording equipment.
• The number of vehicles overtaking the test vehicle and that overtaken by the test vehicles is noted on each trip by a third observer.
• The number of vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on each trip is noted by the fourth observer.
• In this method, detailed information is obtained concerning all phases of speed and delays including location, duration and causes of delay.
• Journey speed: It is defined as the ratio of the length of travel to the total journey time including all the delays and stops in a trip.

Journey Time = length of travel ÷ total time travel

• Running speed: It is defined as the ratio of the length of travel to the total time travel in which the vehicle is running i.e. running time. It excludes delays and stops between the trips.

Running speed = length of travel ÷ total time travel (running time)