QUT road safety researchers are seeking 500 drivers to take part in Australia's largest connected vehicle pilot study to test emerging technologies that will ultimately result in safer roads and vehicles.
The Ipswich Connected Vehicle Pilot (ICVP) is a large-scale, on-road research study that is exploring the safety benefits of connected vehicles with the aim of reducing road crashes.
Professor Andry Rakotonirainy, Director of QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q), said the nine-month research study required drivers who drive a minimum of three hours per week in and around Ipswich, the Centenary Highway and the Ipswich Motorway.
There has already been significant interest, but more participants are needed for the study that requires 500 drivers.
Participants will use their own cars which will be temporarily fitted by professionals with connected vehicle technology, including a small dash-mounted screen, an external antenna and a control box under the seat.
"This new technology will help people to drive safely, and potentially reduce road trauma," Professor Rakotonirainy said.
"Our team has conducted many tests of this new technology to ensure it will not distract drivers, but, through advance warning, it will assist them in adopting safety behaviour when driving.
"The driver will still be in control of the vehicle, as there is no element of vehicle automation," he said.
Professor Rakotonirainy said connected vehicle technologies enabled vehicles to 'talk' to other connected vehicles, roadside infrastructure and traffic management centre systems to share relevant safety-related messages for drivers.
The ICVP will use vehicle-to-infrastructure technology to provide drivers with warnings including speed warnings, red light warnings and a turning warning that pedestrians or bicycle riders are potentially crossing at an upcoming intersection.
As compensation for their time, participants will receive gift vouchers aligned with time taken to install and remove the equipment in their vehicles and the completion of surveys throughout the nine months of the pilot. The total compensation for completing all activities will be $500.
The Ipswich Connected Vehicle Pilot is being delivered by Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), supported by Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), QUT's CARRS-Q, iMOVE Australia, Telstra, Ipswich City Council and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
