Project 2 Technical Report Final Draft
Project 2 Technical Report Final Draft
Project 2 Technical Report Final Draft
ENGL 210-501
Abstract
Qatar faces a significant challenge with traffic safety, as rapid development leads to increased traffic
incidents. Traffic accidents result in thousands of trauma cases and emergency room visits annually,
highlighting the urgent need for solutions to improve road safety. The report aims to explore the root
causes of traffic accidents in Qatar, including human error and poor road infrastructure. It seeks to
propose practical solutions that leverage automated safety technologies, artificial intelligence in
traffic management, and infrastructure improvements to enhance road safety. The methodology
involves primary research through interviews with industry professionals, secondary research using
government websites, newspaper articles, and scholarly articles, and the development of a decision
matrix to evaluate potential solutions based on various criteria such as cost-effectiveness and
implementation feasibility. Three main solutions were analyzed: infrastructure improvements,
artificial intelligence messages and message screens, and automated vehicle safety technologies.
Each solution was assessed for its potential to improve road safety, with a focus on feasibility, cost,
and effectiveness. The decision matrix identified artificial intelligence messages and screens as the
most effective solution, considering their high impact on driver awareness and ease of
implementation. The report concludes that implementing artificial intelligence messages and
message screens is the most optimal solution for improving road safety in Qatar. This approach is
cost-effective, easily implemented, and has the potential to significantly reduce traffic accidents by
enhancing driver awareness.
1.Introduction
Globally, traffic accidents are a devastating problem, claiming about 1.3 million lives each
year (WHO, 2020). Qatar has 2,500 trauma cases and 5,000 emergency room visits per
year, making road safety a priority (The Peninsula, 2024). We examine this issue in depth
in this report to outline the issues and propose solutions based on research and data. We
use historical data and current trends to improve roads and drastically reduce accidents.
According to Mamtani et al. (2012), strict traffic surveillance reduced the annual death
rate from 19.9 to 14.7 per 100,000. Human error and poor road conditions cause most
traffic accidents here, often exacerbated by reckless driving. We must invest in advanced
vehicle safety technologies, use AI in traffic management, and improve infrastructure to
address these issues. Innovative solutions like automatic safety systems and improved
road designs are part of our holistic approach. We use a decision matrix to evaluate each
option and implement the best ones to protect our community. Road safety in Qatar is a
shared responsibility. Government, local stakeholders, and the community must work
together. Not just a summary of facts, this report is a passionate call to action. We must
act quickly to address this urgent issue and ensure a safer future for Qataris.
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2. Methodology
We focused on the primary and secondary research to identify several solutions that
can improve Qatar’s safety in the future. We also created a decision matrix which then
helped us decide what solutions are most suitable financially, effectively, etc.
To establish the most effective option for Qatar in terms of the environmental, health,
and social implications of high injury rates due to traffic accidents, we developed a set
of criteria to evaluate the solutions discovered throughout the research period. This
allowed us to filter down all the available ideas and guarantee that the chosen solution
is the best fit for Qatar.
After determining which solutions are the most effective, we set a scale to
determine which solution was the best. We had to relate all our potential
solutions to Qatar regarding the environmental, social, and financial impacts of
traffic accidents.
Costs imply how much it will cost Qatar to execute the solution. Effectiveness
relates to how effective this solution is in Qatar in respect to environmental and
social impacts. Time and ease of Implementation revolves around how easy or
hard and how long the solution takes to implement. The constant updates or
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maintenance refers to how much it needs updates and maintenance to insure
the solution’s efficiency and accuracy.
Our team used a numbering system to rank the solutions from 1-5 with 5 being
the highest. We created a decision matrix using numbers and criteria. We also
measured the weights of every criteria on the final total score.
3. Research Findings
After conducting extensive research of the various factors impacting road safety in Qatar,
including those contributing to high traffic injury rates, we have identified three potential
engineering solutions outlined below which Qatar could focus on implement to significantly
enhance driver safety and improve its road infrastructure.
Although significant improvements have been made since the 2022 World Cup,
there are areas in Qatar that still require attention, particularly in rural regions
and other parts of the country, and in 2023, there was a five percent decrease in
road traffic accidents in Qatar compared to 2022. Minor accidents made up the
majority, comprising 95.4 percent of all incidents. The number of serious injury
accidents also saw a notable decrease, dropping by 17.2 percent. Additionally,
there were 42 fewer fatal accidents compared to the previous year, representing
a significant decrease of 22 percent. (QNA, 2024). Improving infrastructure plays
a pivotal role in enhancing road safety and reducing traffic congestion in Qatar.
One solution involves road widening, which entails expanding existing roads to
accommodate increased traffic volume. By widening roads, Qatar can alleviate
congestion, provide smoother traffic flow, and reduce the likelihood of accidents
caused by overcrowded lanes. Additionally, wider roads offer more space for
vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, thus promoting safer commuting experiences
for all road users. Embracing road widening fits Qatar's plan for modernizing and
building sustainable cities, making sure its roads can handle more people and
support a growing economy.
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Figure 1: Minor vs Major Accidents in 2023 vs 2022
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quality of life. Furthermore, a Japanese report outside of Qatar has shown
the effectiveness of improved street lighting, particularly in urban areas. The
report revealed a 43% reduction in nighttime accidents at junctions
following the provision of lighting (The Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents, 2018). This underscores the potential benefits of such
infrastructure enhancements.
Figure 2: AI road signage and boards to aware drivers of potential hazards and better traffic management (TASMU SMART QATAR, 2023).
Road conditions include things like road closures, traffic jams, incidents
ahead, or travel time updates as shown in Figure 3. For instance, if a
road or tunnel is closed, it's crucial to inform drivers so they can
choose a different route, and ignoring these messages could lead to
accidents or traffic jams. In addition, Qatar often experiences heavy
traffic and rush hours, especially on busy highways like February 22
Street. Unfortunately, this congestion often leads to accidents and
delays for drivers, which occur frequently. Therefore, having
informative boards is crucial to ensure that drivers in Qatar can enjoy a
smooth, efficient, and safe driving experience.
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Figure 3: Road condition signs and example (ALSOUB, 2019).
Road digital signs in Qatar are vital for providing real-time weather
updates to drivers, ensuring road safety. These signs promptly
communicate weather conditions like heavy rainfall, sandstorms, or
fog, enabling drivers to adjust their driving accordingly. Given Qatar's
climate, these signs are essential for drivers to navigate safely through
changing road conditions and potential hazards. By alerting drivers to
weather-related risks, such as reduced visibility or slippery roads,
these signs help prevent accidents and minimize traffic disruptions.
Qatar has already taken a step towards making its roads safer by using
cutting-edge AI technology like Falcon-I, especially in new areas like
Lusail. However, they haven't rolled it out in urban areas just yet. Falcon-
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I is a game-changer, known for its ability to monitor traffic conditions in
real-time. By tapping into various video sources, like drones and CCTV
networks, Falcon-I can quickly spot traffic jams and accidents at
intersections. This proactive approach gives traffic controllers valuable
insights to manage traffic better, ease congestion, and deal with
incidents faster. In addition, Falcon-I's Yellow Box Monitoring feature is
smart enough to detect and alert authorities about incidents within
intersections. This means they can act fast to clear up the mess and keep
traffic moving smoothly (Qatar Tribune, 2022). With these
advancements, Qatar is leading the way in creating smarter and safer
cities.
Despite the generally safe roads and improved infrastructure, the human factor
remains a significant challenge. Avery Phillips from EEWEB states: "Engineers are
also working to install safety technology in cars that would simply prevent
accidents from occurring in case a driver is distracted or unable to clearly see
their surroundings in time" (EEWEB, 2019). In line with this advancement,
automated safety technologies in vehicles, like Lane Departure Warning Systems,
Blind Spot Detection Systems, Lane-Keeping Assist Systems, and Automatic
Emergency Braking Systems, are revolutionizing road safety by addressing these
human factors. These technologies act as extra sets of eyes and hands for drivers,
helping them navigate the roads more safely and mitigating risks associated with
not paying attention, swerving into another lane, or driving while fatigued. The
capabilities of Automated Safety Technologies have the potential to transform
the driving encounter as a study conducted by LexisNexis Risk Solutions found
that vehicles equipped with these technologies experienced a 27% decrease in
bodily injury claim frequency and a 19% decrease in property damage frequency.
(Elliott, 2024).
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Figure 5: Blind spot detection system illustration (CarsGuide, 2018).
Research indicates that cars equipped with advanced safety systems typically
enhance overall safety on the roads. For instance, according to a study conducted by
the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, vehicles equipped with blind-spot
monitoring demonstrated a 14% lower crash involvement rate compared to those
without this technology. David Braunstein, president of Together for Safer Roads,
highlights that if every vehicle sold in the United States in 2015 had blind-spot
monitoring, approximately 50,000 crashes and 16,000 crash injuries could
potentially have been prevented. Furthermore, Corey Harper, a researcher at
Carnegie Mellon University, suggests that the combination of various vehicle crash
avoidance technologies may result in a reduction of crash frequency by
approximately 3.5%. (Elliott, 2024)
Despite the benefits of these technologies, the adoption rate remains limited due to
their high cost, leaving many drivers without these safety features. Therefore, it is
imperative to implement these technologies in all cars in Qatar, as they offer
significant benefits for road safety. Ensuring widespread access to these automated
safety features not only reduces the risk of accidents but also makes driving safer
and more accessible for all residents, regardless of their financial means. By making
these technologies standard in all vehicles, Qatar can further improve road safety
and enhance the overall quality of life for its citizens.
4. Analysis
To improve road safety and address the serious consequences of traffic accidents
in Qatar, which includes important measures such as expanding roads, enhancing
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street lighting, and implementing roundabouts. Research conducted by Wijnen
and Stipdonk (2016) as well as the American City and County (2023) support the
effectiveness of these techniques, showing a decrease in accident rates in places
where similar improvements have been implemented. Nevertheless, the
enormous construction process generates environmental issues, underscoring
the importance of implementing sustainable practices. Expanding the width of
roads helps to ease traffic congestion, hence lowering the occurrence of
accidents caused by the accumulation of vehicles and sudden lane changes.
Improved street lighting increases visibility, reducing accidents in low-light
settings. Roundabouts enhance traffic efficiency by minimizing the likelihood of
collisions at intersections. To minimize the negative effects on the environment,
construction operations must be carried out sustainably, despite their proven
effectiveness.
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The timeframe for implementing infrastructure improvement consists of multiple
phases, ranging from planning to execution. Although this process may involve a
significant amount of time, the long-term advantages make the investment and
work worthwhile. The duration of infrastructure improvement projects'
implementation timetable varies based on the magnitude and intricacy of the
efforts. Moreover, Regular inspections, repairs, and modifications are essential to
address the effects of deterioration, reduce safety risks, and adjust to changing
traffic patterns. In addition, allocating resources to asset management systems
and predictive maintenance technology can enhance maintenance schedules,
reducing periods of inactivity and maximizing the longevity of infrastructure.
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Qatar's road safety policy is a wise and sensible investment. Furthermore,
government incentives and subsidies can mitigate the financial obstacle, so
enhancing the accessibility of these technologies to a broader demographic.
The implementation of automated safety systems necessitates the cooperation of
multiple engineering disciplines. Despite the presence of obstacles, Qatar's
automotive industry is strong and offers a favourable climate for adoption,
however, there may be constraints on output. It is crucial to utilize the knowledge
and skills of automotive engineers, safety experts, and AI specialists to effectively
incorporate these technologies into the design and manufacturing of vehicles.
Furthermore, the incorporation of automated safety technology in cars may
necessitate a period for testing and validation. Nevertheless, Qatar's proficiency
in the automotive industry reduces obstacles to implementation, facilitating a
gradual process of adoption and integration.
To ensure the best possible performance, cars equipped with autonomous safety
technologies require regular updates and service. Although there may be extra
fees involved, the long-term advantages in terms of safety surpass the price of
upkeep. Implementing proactive maintenance procedures, such as regularly
updating software and calibrating sensors, is crucial for maintaining the efficiency
and functionality of these systems.
4.3 Artificial Intelligence Messages and Message Screens
Based on our analysis AI messages and message screens are the optimal solution
for Qatar. We will discuss our selected solution, how it might be implemented,
who is involved in the implementation and constraints that must be
considered with regards to design materials users and financial constraints.
The proposed method artificial intelligence messages significantly raise the
awareness of vehicle users who might be speeding, utilizing machine learning
and artificial intelligence. The new technique estimates the velocity of
vehicles using video sequences captured by a fixed-mounted camera. Because
the rate of detection and reporting depends on the method used, only the most
efficient methods should be used. These include messages on mobile
phones, where information from CCTV cameras, incident and speed
reporting using detection systems are reported on timely basis, to drivers
(Demystifying In-Vehicle Intrusion Detection Systems, 2022). This would need
hardware installation, software development, data processing, and integration
with existing systems.
The challenge is to automatically estimate vehicle speed. Using an optical flow
technique, the motion of the vehicle is recognized and tracked over the
frames. (2) This carries the challenge of planting several camera detectors across
the whole road traffic system. Nevertheless, the need to sync such surveillance
and speed detection systems with mobile phone networks to send instant
messages with recommendations and alarms. A phased approach of
implementation might be easier starting with high-risk areas, with
pedestrians loads, before spreading and scale-up. This also involves a
huge financial investment that can be justified by savings that will be incurred
after less injuries, reduced damage and lowered medical care. Road accidents
are associated with high financial costs, in addition to the human cost, such
as medical spending, productivity losses and property damage that severely
burden a country’s socio-economic system. It is estimated that these costs range
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from 1% to 5% of countries’ GDP, with up to 3% in developing countries and
2.2% to 4.6% in developed countries (Social costs of road crashes, 2016) which
applies to Qatar as a developed country.
Such a solution would involve several stakeholders at the levels
of planning, evaluation, and implementation to ensure success and mitigate
challenges. Transportation and road safety would be major stakeholders when it
comes to regulations and financing, especially if they have interest in reducing
traffic injuries. The police and regulatory bodies can present expertise on
speeding patterns and enforcement strategies. Technology and networks
professionals are needed to provide hardware and software solutions
expertise. Feedback from drivers is also needed.
5. Discussion of Recommendation
Such a solution would involve several stakeholders at the levels of planning, evaluation,
and implementation to ensure success and mitigate challenges. Transportation and road
safety would be major stakeholders when it comes to regulations and financing,
especially if they have interest in reducing traffic injuries. The police and regulatory
bodies can present expertise on speeding patterns and enforcement strategies.
Technology and networks professionals are needed to provide hardware and software
solutions expertise. Feedback from drivers is also needed.
AI messages and screens offer optimal solutions for addressing speeding and reducing
road traffic injuries. Through those solutions, we aim to raise awareness among drivers.
Challenges include infrastructure setup and wide range of stakeholder collaboration.
Despite financial constraints, potential savings justify the investment in safer road
environments.
6. Appendices
Questions asked in the interview with Mr. Ahmed Mourad:
2. Could you discuss any specific challenges or deficiencies in road design and
maintenance in Qatar that may contribute to traffic accidents which can cause high
mortality?
3. Could you discuss any successful road safety projects that you have been involved in
in Qatar, and how they have helped reduce traffic mortality rates?
4. Qatar has been investing in smart infrastructure projects. How do you see the
integration of technology, such as intelligent transportation systems, contributing to
reducing traffic mortality rates in the country?
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