Maryland Tests AI-Powered Alerts to Protect Road Workers from Speeding Drivers

Roadwork zones remain dangerously high-risk areas for both workers and drivers. In 2023 alone, the US saw over 100,000 crashes in these zones, leading to 899 deaths and an estimated $39 billion in costs. Now, researchers in Maryland are testing a new alert system to tackle the problem. The project began after two fatal crashes involving Maryland road workers occurred within four days. Researchers at Morgan State University’s SMARTER Center started developing the Bear Alert system in 2023, following a deadly incident on Interstate 69.

The system uses lidar or laser scanners to track vehicle speed and position. If a car is speeding or behaving erratically, it triggers a multisensory warning for workers. This includes an audible siren, a wearable haptic device that vibrates, and a flashing solar-powered beacon.

Preliminary testing on Hillen Road recorded 50,821 vehicles passing through. Of those, 288 travelled at 45 mph or faster, 83 reached 55 mph or more, and 16 exceeded 65 mph. The data collected helps identify high-risk zones and shape targeted safety measures.

Maryland has seen 6,701 work zone crashes between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 50 fatalities. With a provisional patent now in progress, the team plans to expand pilot testing to more sites across the state. The Bear Alert system aims to reduce accidents by giving workers real-time warnings of approaching hazards. With further testing and potential expansion, the technology could help lower the number of injuries and deaths in Maryland’s work zones. The state continues to face significant risks, making such innovations a priority for road safety.