This tech brief highlights the research conducted by the Office of Safety Research and Development. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the
appropriateness and applicability of infrared thermal imaging sensors for collecting vulnerable road user count data—under variable conditions—that can provide information for measuring exposure to crash risk. In that effort, the research team tested the infrared thermal imaging sensor’s ability to detect the following:

• Single pedestrians in three scenarios.
  • Adult.
  • Adult wearing heavy clothing.
  • Child.
• Multiple adult pedestrians.
• Bicyclists.
• Scooter users.
• Wheelchair users.

Testing occurred under different conditions, including light, dark, slow crossing, fast crossing, and crossing location.

Recommended citation: Federal Highway Administration, Enhancing Vulnerable Road User Detection and Volume Data Through the Use of Infrared Thermal Imaging Sensors https://doi.org/10.21949/1521782