In-vehicle ITS to protect cyclists and pedestrians

Only in the Netherlands, a stunning 185 bicyclists and 69 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2009. The relative and absolute share of traffic participation by bicyclists is increasing worldwide. As most safety system developments are aimed at protecting pedestrians only, five prominent partners work together in SaveCAP with the purpose to improve road safety for both groups of vulnerable road users. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) applications can be found in automatic braking or a windshield airbag.

From theory to practice
In a three-step approach the project moved from theory to practice. First, the team built the project foundation with accident analyses, computer simulation of cyclists' kinematics, and accident reconstruction tests. Based on this research, the second step took place: sensor system development. The sensor is capable of identifying a critical situation and triggering a counter measure. Counter measures can either be the deployment of a windshield airbag or an automatic braking action. Earlier effectiveness studies have shown that both individual measures could potentially save 27% to 44% of severely or fatally injured pedestrians when impacted by a car front, while a combined and integrated system could save even over 60%. For cyclists, numbers in the same order of magnitude are estimated. Final step is the delivery of a complete Proof of Concept in 2012.

Preliminary field test results
Currently, the project is running a yearlong sensor field test in two major cities in The Netherlands to test and improve the in-vehicle vision system that detects close-to-accident situations. SaveCAP is attracting a lot of attention. Besides national press and TV coverage, the project team will present papers at the annual Enhanced Safety Vehicles congress (Washington, USA) and the bi-annual ITS congress (Lyon, France). These sessions will cover the results so far and next steps that need to be taken.

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About SaveCAP

SaveCAP is a joint project of leading partners aiming to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries amongst cyclists and pedestrians. With funding from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, research organisation TNO is leading the project in cooperation with the Swedish safety system supplier, Autoliv, the Dutch Cyclists' Union and insurer Centraal Beheer Achmea. SaveCAP is researching and developing a safety system for passenger vehicles that willprotect vulnerable road users through impact reduction. Accident studies indicate that the operation of a windscreen airbag or the application of automatic braking would address many severely or fatally injured cyclists and pedestrians.

Note for editorial staff:
SaveCAP's session at ITS Lyon takes place on Tuesday 7 June, during TS19 Vulnerable road users, room Sint Clair 3B from 14:00 - 15:30 CET.

SaveCAP's session at the ESV in Washington takes place on Wednesday 15 June, during session Advancements in Pedestrian and Other Vulnerable Non-Occupant Road User Safety from 2PM - 5:30PM EDT.

Photos are available on request.

Press contact:

Stefanie de Hair-Buijssen
TNO Mobility
Project leader SaveCAP (acting)
t +31 (0) 88 866 5730
e stefanie.dehair@tno.nl
www.savecap.org