A Queensland-based crash avoidance system has taken out one of Australasia’s premier road safety accolades, the 3M-ACRS Diamond Road Safety Award, which recognises exemplary innovation and effectiveness in saving lives and preventing injuries on roads.
The winning project, titled 'Hold the Red: Radar-based intersection collision avoidance system', was led by Peter Kolesnik, Director of Road Safety Programs at the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Project team members were Allan Hales, Manu Hingorani, Connor Broe, Denis Floyd, and Matt Baylis.
Hold the Red (HTR) is an intelligent crash avoidance system installed into the traffic controller cabinet at signalised intersections, using a virtual loop card. Radar is used to track vehicles approaching an intersection, up to 150 metres from the stop bar. This range has the advantage over alternatives such as existing induction loops, as the radar system can dynamically track the speed of vehicles and predict when a vehicle approaching an intersection will not be able to stop in time.
When such a vehicle is detected, HTR instructs the signal controls to extend the all-red phase by an extra two seconds. Law-abiding drivers in cross traffic lanes do not enter the intersection, reducing their chances of entering a potentially hazardous situation.
The TMR, in conjunction with the Queensland Police Service, are trialing HTR at four intersections in South East Queensland, where the systems were installed between August and October 2018.
Queensland University of Technology Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety is conducting an independent evaluation of HTR functionality and benefits at the trial sites. Across all four locations, as of 27 May 2019, the system had been activated approximately 14 times per day, with 3514 total activations. Vehicle and pedestrian safety have improved at each intersection by reducing the risk of collision and no fatalities due to red light running have been recorded since HTR was installed.
The 3M-ACRS Diamond Road Safety Award was presented to TMR by the Hon. Llew O'Brien, Federal Member for Wide Bay, Queensland, along with Martin Small, President of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS), and Andrew King, Group Business Manager for 3M Transportation Safety Division and 3M Commercial Solutions Division, Australia and New Zealand. The ceremony was attended by more than 500 of Australasia’s foremost road safety professionals and advocates during the ARSC2019 Conference Gala Dinner and Awards event at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Minister O'Brien congratulated all award recipients for their contributions to improving road safety throughout Australia.
“Thank you to everybody who has organised events and campaigns to focus the nation’s attention on this important issue", he said.
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, especially for the victim’s family and friends, but it also has a ripple effect on local communities. Road safety should be a priority for all of us and we can each do our part to help make Australia's roads safer.”
ACRS President, Martin Small said, “The Australasian College of Road Safety is delighted to continue our association with 3M in this highly sought-after award. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Peter Kolesnik and his team at Queensland Transport and Main Roads, for their well-researched application of a proven system to protect the life and health of people in our road traffic system.”
3M representative, Andrew King said, “3M is proud to again support this award, now in its ninth year, and congratulates Peter and his team at TMR for the win. Through collaboration, innovation and team work this program shows what can be achieved through new technology in road infrastructure to assist in reducing trauma on our roads. A well-deserved 3M-ACRS Diamond Road safety Award winner that could be replicated globally in our target toward zero.”
Finalists for the 3M-ACRS Diamond Road Safety Award came from many areas including local and state government groups, police, not-for-profit organisations, industry associations and private companies.
Nominees were evaluated on problem solving, innovation in technology and thinking, and benefits in reducing trauma. Cost-effectiveness and transferability were other key criteria.
Highly Commended Awards 2019:
'PrepL: Innovation in Novice Driver Learning and Assessment'
Adam Higgins, Director, Project Delivery – Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads; Team Members: Nadine Dumont and Leanne Edmonds.
'Raised Centre Road Tactile Road Markings'
Martin McLachlan, Officer in Charge, Mansfield Highway Patrol, Victoria Police; Team Member: Nathan Matthews (Vic Roads).
'ARILITY: Augmented Reality Road Safety Learning for Schools'
David Gribble, CEO, Constable Care Child Safety Foundation; Team Member: Ian Sloan.
As the winning team leader, Peter Kolesnik will travel to the USA to visit 3M global headquarters in Minnesota. The ACRS and members of the road safety community across Australasia congratulate him and his team on their outstanding contributions and win.