FSU researchers are developing the Predictive Intersection Safety System (PREDISS) to improve safety at intersections. This innovative technology aims to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by using AI and data analytics to predict vehicle trajectories. Backed by funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the project emphasizes collaboration with local authorities to collect real-world data and refine safety measures, marking a significant step towards smarter, safer roads.
Florida State University researchers are on a mission to enhance intersection safety, aiming to significantly reduce traffic crashes and save lives. A dedicated team from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is investigating how to leverage existing technology alongside new algorithms to develop smarter road systems. “Millions of vehicles move through intersections every day. Our goal is to make that process safer,” asserts Olugbenga Moses Anubi, an associate professor involved in the initiative.
Statistics reveal that about 25% of traffic fatalities and half of traffic-related injuries in the U.S. stem from intersections, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. The team introduces PREDISS, or the Predictive Intersection Safety System, which integrates data-driven analytics with physics-based methodologies across four essential phases: identify, predict, anticipate, and warn/mitigate.
Beginning with initial funding in 2024, the research team utilized existing collision data and autonomous vehicle technology to craft an advanced algorithm that predicts vehicle paths and identifies potential conflicts. By employing sensors, cameras, wireless connectivity, and artificial intelligence, PREDISS monitors vehicles and pedestrians approaching intersections in real-time, enriching its predictions of trajectories.
Next, the researchers are launching anticipation phases in collaboration with the City of Tallahassee’s Regional Transportation Management Center. This practical implementation will provide real-time traffic data, enabling rigorous testing of predictive models and the development of proactive safety measures. The final phases will hinge on insights gained from live intersection data, which may usher in adaptive warning systems and automated interventions in vehicles.
The equipment for PREDISS is largely ready, facilitating a seamless transition into testing. “We’re taking existing tools and applying them in creative ways to help solve this problem,” notes Ren Moses, a fellow team member.
Alongside Anubi and Moses, researchers Paul Bupe Jr. and traffic operations manager Joshua Hollingsworth are working together to gather crucial real-world data. This collaboration exemplifies how researchers can unite with community stakeholders to tackle shared challenges effectively. Anubi highlights, “This testing really accelerates the process of making PREDISS into a working system that can be used anywhere to improve traffic safety.”
This project marks the second stage in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Intersection Safety Challenge, where they secured funding of $266,666 for their advancements—notably after succeeding in earlier stages. “We hope to partner with FDOT in making our roadways, intersections, and traffic systems as safe as possible,” shares Anubi, reflecting the support for smart traffic management in Florida.
The stakes are high, as intersection fatalities accounted for over 12,000 lives lost in 2022 alone. Engineers play a vital role in curbing these incidents. While redesigning intersections is one avenue, it’s not feasible everywhere, making technology-based improvements essential. “Traveling our roadways should be as stress-free and safe as possible,” Anubi stresses, highlighting the crucial nature of this endeavor to enhance safety for families and communities alike.
The collaborative research by the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering illustrates a significant effort to tackle intersection safety using innovative technology. The PREDISS system aims to predict and mitigate collisions, demonstrating a proactive approach to traffic management. Given the alarming statistics surrounding intersection-related fatalities, the project’s potential impact on saving lives and enhancing road safety can’t be overstated. Through partnership and data-driven strategies, advancements in traffic safety are on the horizon, showcasing the power of combining engineering with community resources.
Original Source: news.fsu.edu
