A Holistic Inquiry of Intelligent Speed-Assist Technology: Safety Impacts, Technology Implementation, and Challenges

This study aims to explore the benefits and challenges of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology, which helps prevent speeding-related accidents. Road safety is a paramount concern worldwide, with speed-related accidents being a significant contributor to fatalities and injuries. In response, new legislations are being introduced such as Speeding and Fatality Emergency Reduction on California Streets (SAFER California Streets) Package, including Senate Bills 961. This Bill mandates direct modifications to vehicles, introducing a first-in-the-nation requirement for all new vehicles sold in California to incorporate speed governors, which automatically restrict a vehicle's speed to 10 miles above the legal limit. This study will use multiple methods to understand ISA's effectiveness and user perspectives. First, we will review existing research to learn about current ISA technologies and their potential to improve safety. We will also analyze data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to identify any issues drivers have experienced with speed-related technologies. Additionally, we will survey California drivers to understand their opinions and experiences with ISA. The results will provide recommendations to improve ISA technology and increase its acceptance among drivers. By sharing our findings with policymakers, industry representatives, and the public, we aim to support safer driving practices and enhance road safety for everyone.

Principal Investigator: 
Sahar Ghanipoor Machiani, PhD
PI Contact Information: 

sghanipoor@sdsu.edu

San Diego State University

Dates: 
June 2024 to May 2025
Implementation of Research Outcomes: 

This research will produce several significant outputs as follows:

  • Processes and Methods: Development of methodologies for assessing the safety impacts, implementation considerations, and user acceptance of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology. These methods will include scientific approaches to literature review, data analysis, and survey techniques specifically tailored to evaluate ISA systems.
  • ISA-technology Dataset from NHTSA’s Database: Compilation of a database extracted from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires, focusing on issues related to speed-related technologies and ISA. 
  • Consumer Survey Data: Collection and analysis of survey data from California drivers regarding their perceptions, experiences, and attitudes towards ISA technology. This data will provide insights into public opinion and potential barriers to ISA adoption.
  • Guidelines and Recommendations: Formulation of actionable recommendations and guidelines for the implementation and enhancement of ISA technology. These guidelines will address technical, regulatory, and user acceptance challenges, providing a roadmap for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
  • Educational Materials: Creation of educational content and curriculum enhancements for graduate and undergraduate courses in transportation engineering and traffic safety.
  • Publications and Reports: Production of a research report, journal paper, and/or conference presentations to disseminate the findings to the broader academic and professional community. These publications will aim to influence future research directions and policy developments in vehicle safety technologies.
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation: 

The implementation of this research will lead to a safer, more reliable, and cost-effective transportation system by supporting the development of informed, effective policies and regulations to reduce speed-related accidents. More specifically, the anticipated benefits of this study include:

  • Enhanced Road Safety: By providing comprehensive insights into the safety impacts of ISA technology, this research will inform the development and implementation of ISA systems that effectively reduce speed-related accidents and fatalities. The improved understanding of ISA’s potential will help in designing systems that can significantly lower the incidence of speeding violations, thus making roads safer for all users.
  • Informed Policy Decisions: The research findings will offer data-driven insights and recommendations that can guide policymakers in crafting effective legislation and regulations around ISA technology. For instance, the detailed analysis and recommendations will support the implementation of Senate Bill 961 in California, which mandates speed governors in new vehicles. This will help ensure that such legislation is based on solid empirical evidence and best practices.
  • Cost Savings: By reducing the number of speed-related accidents, ISA technology can lead to substantial cost savings in terms of healthcare, emergency response, and vehicle repairs. Additionally, the enhanced safety features could result in lower insurance premiums for vehicle owners, making ISA-equipped vehicles more economically attractive.
  • Technological Advancements: The development of new analytical tools, methodologies, and datasets will advance the state of the art in transportation safety research. These technological advancements can be leveraged by other researchers and developers to further improve ISA systems and related safety technologies.
  • Improved Public Acceptance and Adoption: By understanding consumer perceptions and addressing concerns related to ISA technology, this research will help increase public acceptance and adoption rates. This, in turn, will lead to wider implementation of ISA systems, further enhancing road safety.
  • Educational Benefits: The educational materials and curriculum enhancements developed from this research will contribute to the training of future transportation engineers and safety advocates. This will ensure that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement and advocate for advanced safety technologies like ISA.
Project Number: 
2454

-

CSUTC
MCEEST
MCTM
NTFC
NTSC

Contact Us

SJSU Research Foundation   210 N. 4th Street, 4th Floor, San Jose, CA 95112    Phone: 408-924-7560   Email: mineta-institute@sjsu.edu