The InZoneAlert Vest Alerts Wearers of Approaching Vehicles
Parul Rohatgi — September 7, 2015 — Tech
References: vt.edu & equipmentworld
InZoneAlert vest is a cleverly designed safety vest for roadside construction workers, policemen, first responders. In fact, it is a life-saving vest for anyone who needs to be on highways amidst traffic. The project is the brainchild of Virginia Tech researchers, led by professor Tom Martin and Kristen Hines, a doctoral student.
Every year, numerous people die in motor accidents, including many people in road work zones. The goal of the InZoneAlert vest is to warn its wearer before a collision occurs, thus helping them save their lives. It uses GPS tracking and radio sensors in conjunction with connected vehicle technology, to alert both the wearer of the vest and the driver of the oncoming vehicle of the imminent collision.
The InZoneAlert vest is still a prototype and the team is trying to make the vest even more user-friendly. The team is also testing various forms of alerts that will be useful in a noisy road work zone. However it shows great promise in reducing work zone fatalities once it is ready for market.
Every year, numerous people die in motor accidents, including many people in road work zones. The goal of the InZoneAlert vest is to warn its wearer before a collision occurs, thus helping them save their lives. It uses GPS tracking and radio sensors in conjunction with connected vehicle technology, to alert both the wearer of the vest and the driver of the oncoming vehicle of the imminent collision.
The InZoneAlert vest is still a prototype and the team is trying to make the vest even more user-friendly. The team is also testing various forms of alerts that will be useful in a noisy road work zone. However it shows great promise in reducing work zone fatalities once it is ready for market.
Trend Themes
1. Connected Vehicle Technology - The integration of GPS tracking and radio sensors using connected vehicle technology provides the opportunity for life-saving alerts.
2. Worker Safety - The InZoneAlert vest is just one example of disruptive innovation that addresses the need for increased worker safety in high-risk industries.
3. Smart Safety Wearables - The InZoneAlert vest represents a growing trend in the development of smart, technology-enabled safety wearables for workers in hazardous environments.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - Smart safety wearables like the InZoneAlert vest have the potential to greatly reduce fatalities and injuries in the construction industry.
2. Law Enforcement - The InZoneAlert vest demonstrates the potential for wearable technology to improve safety for police officers working in high-risk situations.
3. Emergency Services - The use of connected vehicle technology and GPS tracking in safety wearables like the InZoneAlert vest can greatly improve the safety of workers in emergency services industries.
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