Carleton University’s CONNECT Project Receives ERSTPP Funding to Enhance Road Safety for Novice and Older Drivers
On December 9, 2024, Transport Canada announced $14.68 million in funding for 35 road safety projects across the country through its Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program (ERSTPP). Among the recipients, Carleton University’s CONNECT Project was awarded $748,402.75 to enhance the use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in SAE Level 3 autonomous vehicles.
The CONNECT Project aims to reduce fatalities, injuries, and collisions, particularly among vulnerable drivers, including novice drivers and those aged 65 and older. Through the integration of ADAS in autonomous vehicles, the project is set to address common challenges these groups face on the road. The project’s key objectives include:
- Novice drivers: Leveraging ADAS technology to compensate for driving inexperience, improving overall driving safety.
- Older drivers: Empowering seniors to effectively use ADAS systems, thereby maintaining safety despite age-related physical and cognitive changes.
The project will employ advanced methods such as:
- Driving simulations: Featuring ADAS technology integrated into simulation software.
- Test track studies: Conducted at AREA X.0, a closed test facility for SAE Level 3 autonomous vehicles.
The project includes a comprehensive approach, encompassing the development, implementation, and evaluation of an ADAS training protocol tailored for novice and older drivers.
This initiative directly aligns with several key objectives of the ERSTPP, including:
- Addressing the leading causes of collisions and fatalities related to driver inexperience or cognitive/physical impairments, particularly among novice and older drivers.
- Advancing innovative design and testing in Connected and Automated Vehicles, utilizing novel driving simulation and test track technologies.
- Educating and training vulnerable drivers, helping them develop the skills necessary to use emerging safety technologies effectively.
The funding announcement occurred at Kanata’s Hub 350 and was made by Transport Minister Anita Anand and Families Minister Jenna Sudds, joined by Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi and Kelly Daize, Executive Director of the Kanata North Business Association. Carleton University team members Dr. Chris Herdman and Lindsay McCauley were also in attendance.
The CONNECT Project strengthens Carleton University’s role as a leader in autonomous vehicle research and underscores its commitment to improving road safety for vulnerable drivers across Canada.