Implementing AI and Advanced Sensing Technologies to Enhance Traffic Safety

Abstract: AI and advanced sensing technologies are transforming traffic safety by enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and decision-making. This presentation will showcase practical implementations of these innovations through a series of cutting-edge projects sponsored by the USDOT in collaboration with state and local DOTs and tribal nations in Arizona, New York, Washington, etc. These projects cover a wide range of locations, from densely populated urban cities to remote rural and tribal areas, each with unique traffic safety challenges and customized solutions. Applications include vulnerable road user (VRU) safety, detection of traffic conflicts and near-miss events, dilemma zone protection, curb management, rural road data collection, monitoring of road surface and visibility conditions, wrong-way driving detection, and more. One of the projects working with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation) and the University of Washington on rural and tribal ITS deployment and road safety enhancement has received the prestigious 2023 Innovative Project Award from the FHWA Build a Better Mousetrap program. Yakama Nation has also received the FY23 USDOT SMART grant Phase I project to expand the project to a entire corridor. Attendees will learn how these innovations are being deployed to improve traffic management and build safer, more efficient transportation systems.