Most level railroad crossings in the United States do not have active safety mechanisms such as gates, warning bells, or flashing lights to warn drivers of active train crossings. Furthermore, distractions and poor visibility can inhibit awareness of an approaching train. This makes level railroad crossings particularly dangerous and results in hundreds of fatalities and even more injuries each year in the United States alone.

Inventors at Rowan University have developed a novel vehicle-based road safety device dubbed the Sonic Shield. The device uses a low-cost, passive seismic detection sensor to identify the unique resonant signature of approaching trains and alerts drivers, giving them sufficient time to stop and avoid a collision. Instead of relying on installed systems at the crossings, which is cost-prohibitive and would require the support and coordination of numerous railroad systems or transportation departments, the proposed system is a driver-centric vehicular feature that can be preinstalled by the vehicle manufacturer or installed as an aftermarket device via the OBDII port.

Competitive Advantages

The driver-centric technology can reliably sense approaching trains at a range of over one-half of a mile. The system enhances driver awareness in low-visibility situations or in situations of visual impairment or fatigue, which can reduce collisions at grade crossings and prevent casualties and property damage. The passive, vehicle-based technology does not require any train or track equipment to be installed or maintained, which facilitates more rapid and widespread implementation.
Artificial intelligence can be used to confirm hazards and improve the detection algorithms.

Opportunity

• The automotive safety systems market is expected to reach $152.7 billion by 2024, which represents a CAGR of 10.1% from 2019.
• Increasing concern for vehicle safety and expanding government regulations are driving demand. Cost remains a market restraint, making low-cost systems particularly attractive.

Rowan University is seeking a partner(s) for further development and commercialization of this technology. The inventor is available to collaborate with interested companies.