United States Department of Transportation
i
Enhancing Vulnerable Road User Detection and Volumetric Data Through Advanced Infrastructure Detection Technologies
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2025-01-01
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[PDF-1.47 MB]
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Abstract:Advanced, infrastructure-based detection technologies, such as infrared thermal imaging sensors and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), can potentially improve vulnerable road user detection and vulnerable road user volumetric data collection at real-world intersections and midblock crossings. These technologies can help increase understanding of roadway usage and vulnerable road user exposure to crash risk and help researchers identify the intersections with the greatest risk to various vulnerable road users and the intersections and midblock crossings that most need intervention to reduce vulnerable road user crash risk, fatalities, and injuries. The research initiative detailed in this report investigated infrared thermal imaging sensors and LiDAR sensors to determine strengths, weaknesses, overall abilities, and applicability in real-world settings, assessing each sensor independently. The research team first evaluated the thermal sensors and then the LiDAR sensors. Then, based on the data collection process, the research team made two comparisons, comparing the performance of the thermal sensors across two time points and the performance of the second round of thermal sensors to the LiDAR sensors. The thermal sensors performed better than the LiDAR sensors overall and had better detection rates. Additionally, the performance of the thermal sensors was better in study 1 (the thermal sensor evaluation) than in study 2 (the LiDAR sensor evaluation and thermal-LiDAR sensor comparison). Both sensors were able to detect vulnerable road users at night, which is a strength. However, neither sensor was able to successfully detect all the pedestrians in a cluster of three pedestrians. While both sensors were able to detect vulnerable road users at both midblock crossings and at intersections, based on the results, a possible conclusion is that positioning and placement of the sensors influences the performance of both types of sensors. These technologies advance and evolve at a rapid pace, and further research on the next generation of these sensors is needed to evaluate their ability and applicability in real-world circumstances.
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