The government of Saskatchewan has announced it is partnering with Virginia Tech, the University of Saskatchewan and Canadian transportation ministries to host a major highway safety research project. Volunteers to take part in the initiative are being sought.
The study involves outfitting volunteers' vehicles with cameras and sensors that will collect safety data over the next two years. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has been contracted to conduct the study. Examples of data uses include looking at how drivers are able to navigate curves, what behaviours they exhibit at intersections, typical highway speeds they travel and whether roadside signage is understood.
"This is a significant opportunity for Saskatchewan to assist transportation engineers across North America in building safer highways for all motorists," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris says.
"Collecting driving data in Saskatchewan provides a unique opportunity to not only better understand drivers in Canada but also to compare drivers across North America and hopefully, worldwide."
SGI is assisting Virginia Tech and the University of Saskatchewan with the volunteer recruitment process by sending letters to Saskatchewan drivers inviting them to participate in the study. Participation is strictly voluntary and rigorous protocols are in place to safeguard privacy.
While the provincial government is assisting researchers in recruiting participants, no government agency will have access to any personal information, including the names of volunteers.
