Implementation of a virtual environment for traffic accident simulation

Abstract

A proper assessment of traffic accident site and prompt clearance actions with response emergency vehicles are crucial to reduce related congestion on freeways. Training novice officers in accident site management will reduce inappropriate assessment that delays rapid clearance response. The INtelligent TRaffic Evaluator for Prompt Incident Diagnosis using a Reality Engine (INTREPID-RE) simulates traffic accidents using the virtual reality technique. The system allows users to evaluate accidents as if they were present at a real accident site. The simulated traffic accidents generated by INTREPID-RE are based on a combination of vehicle types, highway conditions, visibility, and final position of the involved vehicles. In this first of a two-part paper, the research results in major features, such as the creation of an interactive user interface panel, seven highway configurations, five types of traffic vehicles, overturning condition of the vehicles, traffic cones, nighttime visibility, foggy weather conditions, animation of moving vehicles, and dynamic text display. These features are the essential ingredients for developing the virtual world discussed in the second part of the paper.