A Multi dimensional Model for Vehicle Impact on Traffic Safety, Congestion, and Environment

Principal Investigators

Dr. Nizar Al-Holou
University of Detroit Mercy

Co-Principal Investigators

Dr. Syed Masud Mahmud
Wayne State University
Utyaba Mohammad
University of Detroit Mercy

Project Dates:

09/01/2010 to 03/30/2012

Project year: Year 1

MIOH-UTC Project Identifier: TS 45

Focus Area:

Research: Intelligent Transportation Systems

Abstract:

With the rapid advances in wireless technologies and the introduction of Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) as the standard protocol for Vehicular Ad hoc NETwork (VANET) communications, arrives promising opportunities for increased vehicle safety, mobility, efficiency and reduced energy and CO2 emission. With opportunities, however, come numerous technical challenges. In this proposal, we address some of the ITS applications and challenges presented by U.S. DOT leaders during the ITS-Joint Program Office (ITS-JPO) Workshop in

Washington DC, July 2010 [1]. The original vision of VII is to provide major improvement in safety and mobility. This vision was adapted by the new IntelliDrive initiative, which added a third goal; decreasing transportation impact on the environment.

In this research we attempt to address the question of how can we use technology to create a safe, efficient and greener environment. We will evaluate different traffic control strategies/protocols that are based on wireless communication between vehicles (OBU) and traffic light controllers (RSU) to enhance safety, increase efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. In this system, vehicles communicate with other vehicles (V2V) in the vicinity and vehicles with traffic light controllers (V2I) using DSRC technology. The adaptive signal control application proposed in this research is targeted to achieve two main objectives: 1.) Enhancing traffic flow and decreasing traffic density, hence reducing fuel consumption and emissions. 2.) Improving traffic safety at intersections by developing a new protocol for MAC layer.