Human-centered Testing of Rear-facing Display to Reduce Vehicle Collisions with Snowplows

Center for Connected and Automated Transportation/Research/Research from the University of Minnesota/Human-centered Testing of Rear-facing Display to Reduce Vehicle Collisions with Snowplows

Human-centered Testing of Rear-facing Display to Reduce Vehicle Collisions with Snowplows

In Progress
Headshot of Nichole Morris. The link directs to their bio page.
Nichole Morris
Headshot of Rajesh Rajamani. The link directs to their profile page on the CCAT website.
Rajesh Rajamani
University of Minnesota Logo. The link directs to the funded research led by this institution.

Principal Investigator(s):

Nichole L. Morris, Research Associate Professor – University of Minnesota
Director of the Human Factors Safety Laboratory – University of Minnesota
Rajesh Rajamani, Benjamin Y.H. Liu / TSI Applied Technology Chair of Mechanical Engineering – University of Minnesota

Project Abstract:
Ensuring clear and safe roads during the winter is a key priority for Minnesota; however, the required process of plowing roads has inherent risks given slick road conditions, plow-vehicle speed differentials, and growing issues of risky driver behavior (e.g., speeding, following too closely). The winter of 2021-2022 saw an uptick of crashes with over 60 instances of snowplows being struck by members of the public, with many of these being rear-end collisions at night. A potential countermeasure against rear-end crashes of this nature is to enhance the conspicuity of snowplows through enhanced lighting and retroreflective markings. However, adding additional audiovisual warning systems may be required to capture the attention and earlier response time for inattentive or reckless drivers. This study aims to:

  1. Examine various lighting configurations and patterns of rear lights on snowplows to maximize driver recognition and responsiveness at night
  2. Examine various lighting configurations and patterns of rear lights on snowplows to maximize driver recognition and responsiveness at night
  3. Conduct a pilot study of snowplows equipped with sensing system to determine the success of the adapted lighting and warning system to encourage safe approach speeds and following distances

Institution(s): University of Minnesota

Award Year: 2023

Research Focus: Safety

Project Form(s):

Project Information Form

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