Application of UAS Technology for Use in Conflict and Event Studies via SSAM

Presenter

Peter Frank Swenson

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Michael A. Knodler, Department of Civil Engineering, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A55, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 3 (A41-A60) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

The continuous study of intersections is critical for keeping our roads safe. While an initial reasonable approach to study the millions of intersections in the United States is to focus on intersections with a high number of crashes, it is also important to consider intersections with a high number of close calls, which may be indicative of a potential safety concern even when crashes may not actually be occurring. The most common method for studying these occurrences is through a “conflict and event” study. Although conflict and event studies can be completed in the field through direct observation, there is the potential to leverage technology to improve our analysis capabilities. Currently, there are two primary methods used to study conflicts and events: by camera/observer and using the Surrogate Safety Assessment Method (SSAM). SSAM is a software developed by the Federal Highway Administration used to analyze the number of conflicts and events that occur at certain locations. In recent years, using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, has become increasingly popular within transportation engineering. Drones enable the engineer to gain a bird's-eye view. While they have been speculated to be useful in traffic studies, their effectiveness in collecting data still needs to be compared against other existing techniques. During this study, I intend to compare the results of studying an intersection using SSAM, a camera, and a drone. The results can be used to understand how drones contribute to the observation of intersections as it relates to conflicts and events.

Keywords

Traffic safety, Transportation Engineering, Conflict and Events, Uncrewed Aerial Systems, Drones

Research Area

Engineering

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