Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT)

Cooperative Automated Transportation

Roadway safety in a cooperative automated world

Highway automation is not years away, or even days away. It’s here now, causing a number of state transportation agencies to react with initiatives related to preparing and supporting Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs) on U.S. roadways.


Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs)

Cooperative Automated Transportation (CAT) deals with CAVs, which are vehicles capable of driving on their own with limited or no human involvement in navigation and control. Per the definition adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are six levels of automation (Levels 0-2: driver assistance and Levels 3-5: HAV), each of which requires its own specification and marketplace considerations.


Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs)

For traffic safety, vehicle-to-everything communications is the wireless exchange of critical safety and operational data between vehicles and anything else. The "X" could be roadway infrastructure, other vehicles, roadway workers or other safety and communication devices. ATSSA members are at the forefront of these technologies, and are working with stakeholders across new industries to see these innovations come to life.


Sensor Technology

CAVs rely on three main groups of sensors: camera, radar, and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). The camera sensors capture moving objects and the outlines of roadway devices to get speed and distance data. Short- and long-range radar sensors work to detect traffic from the front and the back of CAVs. LIDAR systems produce three-dimensional images of both moving and stationary objects.


For more information about ATSSA’s efforts on CAT and CAV’s and their interaction with our member products check out the resources below.




Resources

Pam
/ Categories: Press Release, The Foundation, Work Zones

ATSS Foundation partners to offer teen driver education for work zones

Work zone safety not addressed in traditional teen driver training

The American Traffic Safety Services (ATSS) Foundation is partnering with Work Zone Safe to educate teen drivers on how to safely navigate work zones.

Thanks to a grant from the PPG Foundation of Pittsburgh, The ATSS Foundation worked with Work Zone Safe to develop a free interactive training program that teaches teen drivers the importance of work zone safety including how to navigate a work zone. The curriculum addresses the importance of safe driving habits, the results of speeding and inattentiveness, and how to read work zone signage, operate within queuing and navigate night work zones. It also covers how to understand work zone devices, pavement markings and mobile operations. mobile operations.

The work zone safety online course is free and currently available only for Oklahoma teens where completion of the program could qualify the individual for a reduced rate on the family’s insurance policy.

“We are excited to be addressing this gap in driver education for teens,” ATSS Foundation Director Lori Diaz said. “The information in this curriculum is critical in helping the next generation of drivers protect themselves and roadway workers as we continue working toward zero deaths on the nation’s roads and highways. We hope departments of transportation in states across the country will be interested in making the curriculum available in their jurisdictions.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens and that crash risks are highest in the first months a teen is licensed. In addition, most people killed in work zone traffic crashes are drivers and their passengers. In 2020, 857 people were killed in work zone crashes, 740 of whom were not roadway workers, according to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse.

Teens who complete the Work Zone Safe course are entered into a monthly drawing for a $500 educational scholarship. The ATSS Foundation is providing funding to award a scholarship each month.

The course is open to teens aged 15-19. Every Oklahoma teen who completes the program also receives a one-hour jump pass for Sky Zone in Edmond, Okla.

Any state or state department of transportation (DOT) interested in offering the program can contact Diaz (lori.diaz@atssa.com) for details on how to adapt the program.

The ATSS Foundation is the charitable arm of the American Traffic Safety Services Association.  It was formed in 1988 with the core purpose to promote roadway safety through charitable giving and public awareness programs.

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Tags: work zone safety The ATSS Foundation Work Zone Safety Grant Centers for Disease Control and Prevention teen drivers Work Zone Safe
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