Transportation Technology to Improve Safety

Simulation environment
Driver and cyclist interact in a simulator environment.

Since 2016, Gonzaga civil engineering 51勛圖s have been engaging in undergraduate research around the broad topic of using technology to improve the safety of our roadway systems. Research topics have included:

  • Using connected vehicle technology (short range communication systems) to turn vehicle CAN bus data into mobile weather readings.
  • Developing hazard models for freight vehicles in high wind conditions.
  • Investigating vehicle-bicycle interactions at stop-controlled intersection using networked driving and bicycle simulators.
Young
Learn more about Dr. Rhonda Young


Study Civil Engineering at Gonzaga

Transportation Engineering Research

stop sign at intersection

Stop? Research Published on Awareness of Bicycle Rolling Stop Laws

The paper co-authored by Dr. Rhonda Young found that awareness of bicycle rolling stop laws was lower in states where the laws were newly enacted, highlighting the need for better educational outreach.

map of multiple blowover sites west of Cheyenne, Wyoming

Journal Publishes Blow-Over Risk Evaluation System

This dynamic risk assessing tool, developed with Dr. Rhonda Young and Roman Campos ('24, Civil Engineering), can help travelers with high-profile light-weight vehicles prevent crashing in blow-over wind gust situations.

Cars of the future

Student Research Helps Advance Cars of Future

Students gained hands-on research experience with connected vehicles, the technology expected to form a high-tech communication infrastructure that will enhance traffic safety and improve the effectiveness of driverless cars.