Team: 22
School: Tucumcari High
Area of Science: Engineering
Interim:
Problem Definition:
“Rear-end crashes are the most frequently occurring type of collision, accounting for approximately 29 percent of all crashes and resulting in a substantial number of injuries and fatalities each year.†(Lee et al., 2007) About 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur every year. Distracted. drivers are the leading cause of these unnecessary accidents. Drivers’ lack of attention causes 87 percent of rear-end collisions. “The NTSB estimated that 80 percent of the deaths and injuries resulting from rear-end collisions could be prevented by collision avoidance systems†(Halsey, 2015)
Problem Solution:
Our goal for the Supercomputing Challenge is to create the most efficient and reliable code for our invention. This project will significantly limit the number of injuries and fatalities caused by vehicular accidents. We plan to accomplish this task by inventing an early collision avoidance system.
The device will be housed in a license plate frame. Our prototype will utilize a rechargeable battery and be easily attached or detached. The rear license plate frame will use multiple distance sensors and lights on the unit to detect and alert the following driver of an impending collision. The front license plate frame will use multiple distance sensors on the unit and lights installed inside the vehicle to alert the driver of an impending collision. If the system detects an approaching vehicle, the lights will flash to grab the attention of a driver, who will reduce their speed, preventing a potentially fatal collision.
We plan to implement a program that will detect the distance behind and in front of the equipped vehicle. The program will be designed to run continuously, checking for a vehicle or other object nearing the equipped vehicle. Our team will use while and if statements to gauge when something breaks the distance threshold set. If this threshold is crossed, the microcontroller will be programmed to alert the driver, via installed interior lighting. A signal will also be sent to the lights attached to the vehicle’s license plates. Once the distance returns to normal levels, a signal will be sent to disable the lighting. elements and return the system to monitoring mode.
Progress to Date:
So far, our team has conducted extensive research to further the development of this invention. We have decided to use radar sensors to detect the distance between objects. Newer automobiles also use radar technology to do this. “If equipped, Forward Collision Alert uses a forward. looking camera or camera and radar sensors (depending. on how your vehicle is equipped) to look directly ahead to monitor vehicles you’re following when your vehicle is in FORWARD gear.†(About Forward Collision Alert) Our team will also use Arduino esp microcontrollers to code our invention, as we have experience using them in previous. projects.
Expected Results:
We expect to order the necessary components very soon and begin the construction, coding, and testing of our invention. We envision the system to be primarily used to retrofit older and not-as-well-equipped vehicles. This will give drivers additional safety and peace of mind without having to buy a new car. Our invention will also be very competitive in aftermarket vehicle safety systems with its ease of use and installation. One day, our invention will prevent collisions and save lives.
References:
About Forward Collision Alert. Forward Collision Alert | Vehicle Support | Chevy. (n.d.). https://www.chevrolet.com/support/vehicle/driving-safety/driver-assistance/forward-collision-alert
Halsey, A. (2015, June 8). There are about 1.7 million rear-end collisions on U.S. roads each year. here's how to stop them. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/06/08/there-are-about-1-7-million-rear-end-collisions-on-u-s-roads-each-year-heres-how-to-stop-them/
Jones, M. (2017, October 2). New Study Drives Home the Importance of Collision Avoidance Systems. Cogburn Law.
https://cogburncares.com/collision-avoidance-systems/
Lee, S. E., Llaneras, E., Klauer, S., & Sudweeks, J. (2007, October). Analyses of Rear-End Crashes and Near-Crashes in the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study to Support Rear-Signaling Countermeasure Development. Washington, D.C.; U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Reiss, S. (2022, November 12). 10 EASY (AND AFFORDABLE) WAYS TO ADD MODERN SAFETY TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR OLD CAR. A Girls Guide to Cars. Retrieved https://agirlsguidetocars.com/add-modern-safety-technology-to-your-old-car/
Team Members:
Sponsoring Teacher: Thomas Evans