Researchers at Morgan State University’s National Transportation Center are developing a new system aimed at improving highway safety.
Following the deaths of two highway workers in late April, the Safety and Mobility Advancements Regional Transportation and Economics Research (SMARTER) Center at Morgan State University is testing a pilot Program designed to alert workers of oncoming danger using multiple sensory warnings, according to The Baltimore Banner.
The system — known as “Bear Alerts,” named after the university’s mascot — uses sensors that detect the speed and location of vehicles hundreds of feet away. When a potential threat is identified, the system triggers a haptic vibration through a wearable device, activates a siren and sets off a flashing beacon.
The layered alerts are designed to capture workers’ attention regardless of the task at hand. For example, a vibration or audible alert may be missed in noisy or physically demanding conditions, while a visual cue like a flashing light can provide an additional warning.
How the System Works
The technology relies on light detection, LIDAR sensors, edge computing and a predictive “time to collision” algorithm to assess vehicles speeds and trajectory from 400 feet away.
Development of the system was prompted by the Interstate 695 work zone crash, which killed six highway workers in 2023, The Baltimore Banner reported, underscoring the dangers crews face in active work zones.
Early Results Show Speeding Risks
According to Government Technology, the pilot program launched April 10 on a roadway near campus and included five highway workers. Over a six-day period, the system clocked more than 50,800 passing vehicles.
Of those, 288 vehicles were traveling at least 45 mph, 83 exceeded 55 mph and 16 were going at speeds of 65 mph or higher — highlighting the persistent risk of speeding in work zones.
Researchers also found that the flashing beacon was less effective during daylight hours, according to Government Technology, pointing to areas for further refinement.
What’s Next for Deployment
The project is funded by the Maryland Highway Safety Office (MHSO) through a federal grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The SMARTER Center is collaborating with the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, MHSO and private-sector partners to continue testing the system in real-world work zones.
The Baltimore Banner reported that a patent is currently pending, and researchers say the technology could be deployed more broadly in less than a year.
Sources: The Baltimore Banner, Government Technology
