New Bear Alert system shields road workers from speeding drivers

Researchers at Morgan State University have developed a new safety system to protect road workers from speeding drivers. The technology, called Bear Alert, follows two tragic deaths of Maryland workers in traffic crashes within four days. The university is now testing the system in real-world conditions.

The Bear Alert system uses lidar and laser scanners to track vehicle speed and position. If a car is moving too fast or erratically, it triggers immediate warnings for workers. These alerts come through an audible siren, a wearable haptic device, and a flashing solar-powered beacon.

Initial testing took place on Hillen Road near the university campus. Over six weekdays, the system monitored 50,821 vehicles. Of those, 288 exceeded 45 mph, 83 surpassed 55 mph, and 16 went over 65 mph in the work zone. The system aims to give workers about five seconds to react and move to safety. It also collects traffic data to help improve future safety measures. Morgan State has partnered with multiple organisations to deploy and refine the technology. A provisional patent for Bear Alert is currently being pursued.

The new alert system could help reduce crashes in work zones by providing faster warnings. With further testing and development, it may become a standard safety tool for road crews. The university continues to gather data and refine the technology for wider use.