The NextGen Transportation Lab is dedicated to addressing the challenges of today while anticipating the mobility needs of tomorrow. Our research is centered on building data-driven, technology-enabled, and human-centered transportation systems.
Selected Projects
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Tow Truck Operator Safety (R01 Grant)
Funded by CDC/NIOSH
The objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to struck-by incidents, informing the development of actionable countermeasures and mitigation strategies. Read more…
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Near-Miss Detection and Prediction
Funded by ALDOT
This project aims to build an advanced computer vision system to help improve safety for Alabama Service Assistance Patrol (ASAP) vehicles and responders at traffic incident scenes. The goal is to give roadside responders an extra layer of protection by using technology to spot risky driver behavior and help prevent crashes before they happen. Approved, not yet started…
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Countermeasures to Protect Roadside Responders
Funded by AAA Foundation
This study evaluated how effective vehicle-mounted message signs (VMS) are in encouraging safer driver behavior near service vehicles. It also explored workers’ views and use of different safety tools, and reviewed news reports to better understand roadside incident conditions. Full report…
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Mobility Data Initiative: Supporting NextGen Mobility Research for Small Communities
Supported by CR2C2 and Mobility COE
Small and mid-sized metropolitan areas are often under-resourced and underrepresented in transportation research and planning, particularly in the context of next-generation mobility and travel modeling. Read more…
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Near-Miss Reporting among Roadside Responders
Funded by AAA Foundation
Traditional methods relying on crash data to fail to capture information regarding near-miss incidents that occur far too often. This project aimed to identify the elements required for a successful near-miss reporting system specifically designed for roadside responders. Full report…
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Rural Healthcare Access Research
Funded by NSF
The primary objective is to explore the impacts of on-demand mobility services on these behaviors among under-served individuals. The project is expected to set the groundwork for implementing on-demand mobility solutions to enhance healthcare in these areas. Read more…
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EV Maintenance and Repair Workforce Development
Funded by NSF
In this project, an interdisciplinary team of researchers are working with multiple industry and educational partners to explore and test the practical foundations of an experiential learning approach for helping existing automotive technicians upskill their knowledge and skills for future EV technologies. Read more…
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Rural Multilane Highway Safety
Funded by GDOT
The goal of this study was to 1) examine the safety performance of existing rural four-lane roadways with above-mentioned four median types in Georgia by using Safety Performance Functions and Crash Modification Factors, and 2) develop criteria to determine under what conditions these four median types yield maximum safety benefits while considering construction costs. Full report…