Safety

We describe experiments and results of four of the potentially nearest term means to realize a cooperative collision avoidance system, which we regard as either a supplement to or a simple replacement of present single vehicle-based systems. Experiments for each ranged from laboratory tests only (fluorescent paint), field tests only (roadside-mounted corner cubes), and a combination of laboratory and field tests (passive license plates, light emitting diode brake light messaging). These technologies all focus on improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a collision avoidance sensor. The LED brakelight messaging and passive license plates increase the signal, by making it easier to detect real vehicles on the roadway (and, in the case of LED brakelight messaging, to provide information on the trajectory of that vehicle). Corner Cubes serve to mark clutter, such as bridge abutments or overpasses, that cannot be moved. Fluorescent paint serves to improve the recognition of the lane markings, for localization. We believe that experimental results point toward further proof-of-concept refinements, but in general, that these systems potentially represent technologically sound cooperative vehicle-roadway components and that indeed, “sensor friendly” systems, when put to the test, can eventually translate into significant benefit in terms of lives saved.

California PATH, University of California at Berkeley

Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University

Presented at the 11th ITS Annual Conference and Exposition, June 4-7, 2001 Miami Beach, Florida

This paper presents the methods and findings of a study focused on the preliminary development of a driver-vehicle interface (DVI) for a transit bus frontal and side collision avoidance system (CAS). A transit bus CAS is expected to function as a copilot, observing bus actions and intervening with various warnings and/or exerting a temporary, controlling function to avoid an otherwise imminent collision. The overall approach to the project involved tapping the expertise and experience of transit bus driving instructors and operators, and drawing on past passenger and commercial vehicle collision warning and avoidance system (CW/AS) research. Using these two sources of information, the transit bus operating environment was characterized. Then, preliminary CAS system requirements and functions were identified. Based on an understanding of the transit bus environment and CAS functionality, an initial set of transit bus CAS DVI display concepts was generated. A focus group with transit bus operators was conducted to review the initial display concepts. Based on focus group participant feedback, a final set of preliminary transit bus CAS DVI concepts was generated. Lastly, recommendations for future human factors testing and evaluation of the preliminary display concepts are proposed.

Foster-Miller, Inc.

Presented at the 11th ITS Annual Conference and Exposition, June 4-7, 2001 Miami Beach, Florida

A new safety application, as part of ITS Advanced Rural Transportation System (ARTS), has been developed and deployed on a two-lane rural road (Route 114) in Southwest Virginia. The route has a rolling geometry of several vertical curves and is subject to significant head-on accidents. During the period 1994-2000, the road experienced 11 crashes that resulted in 12 fatalities and 29 injuries. All these accidents were a result of two main conditions:

1- Illegal passing maneuvers crossing solid yellow centerline, and

2- A short passing sight distance due to the road vertical profile.

Accidents reports indicated alcohol involvement in some of these incidents.

The main objective of the research, supported by Virginia Department of Transportation VDOT, is to design, install, test and evaluate a video detection-based warning system by installing an efficient system on one vertical crest curve on Route 114, capable of performing the following two main functions:

1. Detect vehicles that attempt to violate the no-passing zone.

2. Warn the violating drivers in order to discourage them from continuing their risky

maneuvers.

Virginia Tech - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, April 29 –May 2, 2002 Long Beach, California

Emergency Evacuation is one most protective measure and viable alternative during regional emergencies in response to both natural and man-made disasters. Several evacuation traffic models have been developed and currently available to support the planning and analysis of emergency evacuation. However, to be effective, the decision-makers must understand how these models can be used to facilitate the planning, analysis, and deployment of emergency evacuation for populations at risk. This paper reviewed and analyzed various traffic models, suggested how to improve the operational planning of emergency evacuation, and recommended the necessary technological enhancements for evacuation traffic models.

RSPA/US.DOT

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, April 29 –May 2, 2002 Long Beach, California

This paper describes the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system, based on an ICC Field Operational Test (FOT). The primary goal of the evaluation was to determine the safety effects of the ICC system. However, the evaluation also addressed three additional goals: characterize the ICC system and vehicle performance, determine user acceptance of the ICC system, and assess system deployment issues. With respect to evaluating ICC safety effects, it was concluded that use of the ICC system was associated with safer driving compared to manual control and, to a lesser extent, conventional cruise control, and is projected to result in net safety benefits if widely deployed. It was also found that, as a prototype, the ICC system performed remarkably well during the FOT. Furthermore, participants in the FOT had a high level of acceptance of the ICC system. Finally, it was found that use of the ICC system would promote reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Presented at the 10th ITS Annual Conference and Exposition, May 1-4, 2000 Boston, MA