From University of Wisconsin:
Consider all the different ways transportation affects our daily life. Whether we take a car or transit to work, take a bus to school, consume goods shipped by truck, train, ship, or pipeline, travel internationally by plane, ride a bicycle, or simply walk, the efficiency and safety of our transportation system has a dramatic impact on how successful each mode will be. My research is focused on the operational and behavioral aspects of transportation safety. Recent activities have considered traffic control devices, left-turn signalization, centerline rumble strips, and applications of advanced technologies. Improving the operational and safety aspects of protected/permissive left-turns has been an interest area of mine for the past six years. We are currently working on improving permitted left-turn modelling. I am also very interested in crash data recording (black box) technology and vehicle crash analysis. I have worked with NHTSA and the Massachusetts Governor's Highway Safety Bureau and researched other transportation safety issues including speed management, occupant protection, and crash data.
I have spent the last four years working with full-scale driving simulation and studying driver comprehension and behavior related to various traffic control devices. We have used the simulator to study guide signs, traffic signal displays, rumble strips, young and old drivers, and the effects of low Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) on driver performance. We are currently looking at new technologies to improve the realism of the simulated environment.
A growing research area for me is bicyclists and pedestrians. I have developed a automated method of counting and classifying bicycles and pedestrians using active infrared technology. I am also working in the area of accessible pedestrian signal (APS) and developing methods for incorporating these technologies into the transportation environment.
Finally, I maintain an active traffic operations and geometric design program. We are redeveloping our transportation laboratory to include a fully signalized intersection to study advanced traffic signal operation methods. We also provide a means of testing new equipment and technologies as they enter the market. Our complete array of traffic data collection equipment allows us to move this lab into the field to incorporate real-time traffic.
The undergraduate and graduate students working with me form a research team directed at improving the safety and operations of all elements of transportation.
