Projects: Diversity Equity and Inclusion

A Data Driven Approach to the Development and Evaluation of Acoustic Electric Vehicle Alerting Systems for Vision Impaired Pedestrians

Theme Areas: Automated Vehicles, Blind and Visually Impaired, Connected Vehicles, Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Abstract The steady increase of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to safety concerns for vulnerable populations. EVs produce considerably less noise compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, especially at low speeds. Although pedestrians across all demographics are at risk, visually impaired pedestrians face significantly greater disadvantages in environments where ambient noise levels are high […]

Automated Shuttles and Buses for All Users

Theme Areas: Automated Vehicles, Connected Vehicles, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, People with Disabilities

Abstract Individuals using wheelchairs and those with limited or no sight face extra safety issues in the use of public transit, as well as personal vehicles, including getting to and from a bus or shuttle stop, getting on and off a vehicle, and being secure while riding in a vehicle. The demonstrations of automated shuttles […]

Examining Senior Drivers’ Adaptation to Mixed-Level Automated Vehicles: A Naturalistic Approach – Phase II Analysis of the Naturalistic Driving Data

Theme Areas: Automated Vehicles, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Senior Drivers

This project will analyze these already-collected NDS data to evaluate the safety and mobility benefits of automated vehicle technologies AVT for senior drivers.

Safety Perceptions of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) by the Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI)

Theme Areas: Blind and Visually Impaired, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Transportation as a Service

This project will identify how the BVI community perceives the safety of TNCs relative to other travel modes, and how the BVI community utilizes TNCs for safe mobility.

Older Drivers and Transportation Network Companies: Investigating Opportunities for Increased Safety and Improved Mobility

Theme Areas: Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Senior Drivers, Transportation as a Service

This project will assess the potential of TNCs to enhance safety by decreasing the number of older drivers on the roadways while increasing their mobility options.

K-12 STEM Program: Exploring the Science of Retroreflectivity

Theme Areas: Big Data Analytics, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, STEM Students

This educational development project will take previously-devloped in-class activities that show real-world applications, link them to academic concepts and standards, and create curriculum and associated materials that can be used by teachers and other professionals across the nation.