UMass Driving Safety Research With Cutting Edge Training Programs
Professors from UMass are working to ensure new teen drivers are properly prepared to get behind the wheel. Anuj Pradhan, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Shannon Roberts, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, are leading research efforts as Principal Investigator and co-Principal Investigator.
Motor vehicle fatality is the number one leading cause of death for teens in America. Furthermore, teens are more likely to get in a road accident than adults. UMass research is aiming towards lowering that statistic and making teen drivers more prepared for the road.
At UMass’ Human Performance Laboratory, a series of training programs are helping teens learn how to be safer drivers. The research is all about “teaching teens these skills beyond just how do you maneuver the car and keep it in the lane.” Training gives users practice on how to drive with pedestrians and cyclists on the road. These programs also teach drivers how to deal with curbs, speeds, how to merge, and driving in busy areas.
The laboratory is using driving simulators and Risk-ATTEND training programs partnered with Toyota to teach young drivers. Brand-new eye tracking glasses are worn to measure the effectiveness of driver training. The glasses are equipped with sensors that track eye movement and cameras that watch the road ahead. UMass researchers can track teen drivers’ eyes to determine if they are paying close attention to appropriate aspects of the road.
The research will help determine what needs to be implemented and taught more to teenagers. Teen safety on the road is the main priority and UMass researchers are willing to go further than drivers ed courses, teaching them precise skills that allow them to drive safer.
Watch the full interview here.