Imagine an alert system that can warn a cyclist and driver of an impending crash - that's the vision of a team of QUT road safety researchers who are developing the technology to enable cars to talk to bikes.
Dr Sebastien Demmel, from QUT's Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), will outline How mobile phone technology can be used to keep cyclists safe at the inaugural Queensland Injury Prevention Network (QIPN) event on Thursday March 6.
"We are working on a smart device app which can locate, track, connect and communicate between devices and warn both rider and driver if there is a reasonable chance of a collision," Dr Demmel said.
"The idea is based on using existing GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth systems to allow the 'sharing' of information between road users.
"For example, if a cyclist and driver are both approaching an intersection at speed, the app will be able to predict impending danger and warn both to slow down."
Dr Demmel said with an average of 35 cyclists dying on Australian roads each year and more than 2500 others seriously injured, crashes involving cars and bicycles were too common.
"Research has shown that most cyclist fatalities involve a collision with a motor vehicle and these typically occur because of human error, or one not seeing the other," he said.
"What our research is aiming to do is use technology to help prevent injury and improve cyclist safety on our roads."
CARRS-Q lead cycling researcher Professor Narelle Haworth said Dr Demmel's work was just one of the topics to be highlighted at the event which would focus on Cycling Safety and Injury Prevention: Current and Future Priorities.
"This is a free QIPN event and is for all those interested in cycling, safety issues and injury prevention," Professor Haworth said.
Other speakers will include:
•QUT Professor Vivienne Tippett and Chair of the QIPN
•PA Hospital's Tony Pratt on The urban cyclist
•Queensland Health's Mirjam Neumann on Current profile of cycling injuries
•Queensland College of Surgeons' Professor Michael Schultz on Implications of cycling injures for both medical professionals and patients
•Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads' Mark Kerle on Crash data on the Queensland Globe
A panel discussion will also be held during the event.
RSVP for catering and venue purposes by March 3 to Clare Murray, CARRS-Q marketing and events officer, clare.murray@qut.edu.au
EVENT DETAILS:
WHEN: Thursday March 6
TIME: 5pm (for a 5.30pm start) - 7pm
WHERE: Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, 60 Musk Ave, QUT Kelvin Grove
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Media contact:
Sandra Hutchinson, QUT Media (Tue, Wed, Fri), 07 3138 9449 or media@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
