Center for Environmental Research and Technology

UCR Continues Advancements in Intersection Safety: From Stage 1A Triumph to Stage 1B Workshop

Building upon the success in Stage 1A of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Intersection Safety Challenge, UCR CE-CERT reaffirmed its commitment to pioneering research and innovation in transportation safety at the Stage 1B Kickoff Workshop. This milestone follows CE-CERT's notable achievement at the 2024 Transportation Research Board (TRB) meeting, where the university secured a victory in the U.S. Department of Transportation's Intersection Safety Challenge.

In Stage 1A of the challenge, CE-CERT distinguished itself in a competitive field, earning recognition and a $100,000 prize for its Safety Assurance System for Vulnerable Road Users at Signalized Intersections (SAINT) project. CE-CERT’s exceptional performance showcased the team’s high-quality research and earned an exclusive invitation to Stage 1B: System Assessment and Virtual Testing.

"At CE-CERT, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of transportation safety research," said Dr. Guoyuan Wu, CE-CERT Research Faculty and PI of the SAINT project, reflecting on the team's success in Stage 1A. "Our triumph in Stage 1A of the Intersection Safety Challenge underscores the impact of our work and the relevance of our contributions to the field."

With a focus on system assessment and virtual testing, Stage 1B presents participants with a unique opportunity to refine algorithms, harness data-driven insights, and enhance intersection safety for all road users. Participants are tasked with developing, training, and refining algorithms for the detection, localization, and classification of vulnerable road users (VRUs) and vehicles. Leveraging DOT-supplied sensor data collected at a controlled test intersection, participants will utilize these algorithms to predict future intersection conditions and identify potentially unsafe events in real time.

"Stage 1A provided a platform for participants to present their visionary concepts for improving intersection safety," stated Dr. Guoyuan Wu, reflecting on the significance of this inaugural phase. "The transition to Stage 1B marks a pivotal moment in the Intersection Safety Challenge, as participants delve into the practical implementation and refinement of their ideas."

The Stage 1B Kickoff Workshop at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center provided a platform for CE-CERT to engage with industry leaders, researchers, and stakeholders. Through discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored strategies for assessing intersection systems and conducting virtual testing to enhance safety measures.

As CE-CERT continues its journey in the Intersection Safety Challenge, the university remains poised to make significant contributions to the field of transportation safety. By leveraging its expertise, resources, and collaborative spirit, CE-CERT is committed to driving positive change and shaping the future of intersection safety for communities nationwide.

For more information on Stage 1B of the Intersection Safety Challenge and updates on the competition, interested parties are encouraged to visit Challenge.gov. For more information on UCR's success in Stage 1A of the Intersection Safety Challenge and its participation in Stage 1B, please visit CE-CERT's official news release.