Expand Deployment of Applications for Vulnerable Road Users in Pillar 1 (Pedestrian in Crosswalk)

Expand Deployment of Applications for Vulnerable Road Users in Pillar 1 (Pedestrian in Crosswalk)

Headshot of Jim Sayer. The link directs to their bio page.
James Sayer
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute Logo. The link directs to the funded research led by this institution.

Principal Investigator(s):

James Sayer, Director and Research Scientist – The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

Project Abstract:
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTI) has deployed a V2P system at the 4 mid-block crosswalks along Plymouth Road. The V2P system works with the vehicles already deployed under the Ann Arbor Connected Vehicle Test Environment program. From AACVTE, approximately 1,000 vehicles have been equipped with aftermarket safety (ASD) devices that will inform the driver whenever there is a pedestrian in the equipped crosswalk and warn the driver if there is a chance of a collision with the pedestrian. This research project deploys two types of technology to detect the pedestrians. Each system will be analyzed to see which one works best in a real-world environment and the results will be used on a national level to inform agencies and policymakers when considering pedestrian detections in their cities, states, or other jurisdiction. The first technology is video-based. A GRIDSmart system, with camera and processor, detects the pedestrian in the crosswalk and sends that information to the road-side unit (RSU). The RSU broadcasts a message to the equipped vehicles in the vicinity about the presence of the pedestrian. The ASD will then inform or warn the driver as described above. The second technology is phone-based. Pedestrians that frequent Plymouth road will be recruited and will download an app on their phone. Whenever the pedestrian is in the vicinity of one of the crosswalks, the phone will connect to the RSU and send the pedestrian’s location. The RSU will use that information to generate a message to be broadcast as above. The test with pedestrians will be conducted over a two-month period this fall. The final report for this project will not be publicly available.

Institution(s): University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

Award Year: 2017

Research Thrust(s): Enabling TechnologyHuman FactorsInfrastructure Design & Management

Project Form(s):