Vehicle Data Recorders Research Articles

Synthesis of video and 3D laser metrology to reconstruct a vehicle vs pedestrian collision: a case study

Human Factors investigations of vehicle-versus-pedestrian collisions can be challenging due to a lack of objective data. While sources such as electronic data recorders on vehicles are typically sensitive to collisions with other vehicles or large-mass objects, pedestrian strikes often fail to generate sufficient accelerative forces to reach triggering thresholds. The present work details a case study of the reconstruction of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision. While the vehicle data recorder failed to capture the collision, a security camera was located approximately 360 feet away which partially-captured the crash site. Data from this security camera and 3D laser scan data were combined and analyzed to determine the pre-impact speeds of the vehicle and pedestrians. Comparison of the calculated speeds to normative data suggest this is a reliable method for analysis of challenging video data. Results and future work are discussed.

Which smartphone's apps may contribute to road safety? An AHP model to evaluate experts' opinions

Smartphone usage while driving is a worldwide phenomenon which is acknowledged as a major concern for road safety. While being a major cause of risk, smartphones apps may also serve as a means to control and reduce risky driving behavior. However, it is still unclear which apps should be favored and what features and functions compose such valuable apps. The purpose of this paper is to establish a blueprint for smartphone apps that will have the greatest potential to reduce injury crashes. The study is based on apps mapping and experts' opinions retrieved through an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Thirty seven experts participated in the study and evaluated and graded nine widespread types of apps according to various criteria. When weighing safety considerations versus acceptance concerns, they were found to be almost equally important. The results clearly define the desirable types of smartphone apps: collision warning, texting prevention (both no-typing and no-reading), voice control (both text-to-speech and commands), and Green Box (In Vehicle Data Recorder – IVDR). However, while texting prevention and IVDR are not likely to be widely accepted and used, collision warning and voice control apps are expected to gain public support.

Review: An Enhancement of Road Scenes Captured Images Using HDCP and Color Discriptor

The visibility of images of outdoor road scenes will generally become degraded when captured during inclement weather conditions. Drivers often turn on the headlights of their vehicles and streetlights are often activated, resulting in localized light sources in images capturing road scenes in these conditions. Additionally, sandstorms are also weather events that are commonly encountered when driving in some regions. A novel and effective haze removal approach to remedy problems caused by localized light sources and color shifts, which thereby achieves superior restoration results for single hazy images. The Road image degradation can cause problems for intelligent transportation systems such as traveling vehicle data recorders and traffic surveillance systems, which must operate under a wide range of weather conditions. The objective of this work is to implement the Road Scenes Captured by Intelligent Transportation Systems using Hybrid technique. To enhance the images using different filters and enhancement techniques.

Are young drivers as careful as they deem? In vehicle data recorders and self reports evaluations

This paper aims to explore the driving behavior of young drivers few years after licensure based on two different evaluation approaches, which are used in a complementary manner. The evaluation was done with respect to driving exposure and trip safety. The evaluation is based on two data collection approaches, which were compiled for the same trips: The first, In Vehicle Data Recorders (IVDR), which were installed in the young drivers’ vehicles for a study period of 8 months. The second, Self-Reports (SR), which were provided by the young drivers at random times throughout the study period. These data have been compared and used in a complementary manner in order to provide an understanding of participants’ driving behavior. The results show high correlation of driving exposure which was self-reported and these obtained from IVDR. The results also indicate that young drivers clearly perceived themselves as being safer drivers than they are, according to IVDR findings. In addition variables available only in the SR e.g., the presence of passenger in the car were found to affect the trip risk level. The analysis obtained should be considered as exemplifying the potential of what may be accomplished and understood using these evaluation approaches.

Investigating Differences between Experienced Adult Drivers and Teen Drivers with Low-Cost Vehicle Data Recorder

This study used a low-cost vehicle data recorder (LCVDR) to investigate the differences between teenage and adult drivers. The relatively high cost of current vehicle data-recording systems has often been cited by parents as a deterrent to using such systems. A lower-cost, less-intrusive system for monitoring teen driving behavior would mitigate these concerns. However, the first step was to determine whether low-fidelity data collection devices could discriminate between the driving characteristics of different populations. Teenage and adult drivers had the LCVDR installed in their personal vehicles for four weeks. For each drive, the device recorded a summary of driving performance, including distance driven, drive duration, speed, and sudden braking and acceleration events. The device also calculated a fuel economy and safety score for each drive. Results showed that teen drivers had much higher rates of sudden stops and starts per mile driven than adult drivers. These trends remained intact even after controlling for distance driven on both short and longer drives. Across all drivers in both groups, there was a significant correlation between sudden stops and starts. The teen drivers whose safety scores were in the top third had braking and acceleration profiles similar to the experienced adult drivers. These results demonstrate that significant differences between teen and adult drivers can be measured with lower-cost, lower-fidelity devices. Future research will investigate the effectiveness of training programs designed around the data provided by such devices.