Transportation Safety and Security
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Intelligent Transportation Systems course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Active Safety Systems #
Active safety systems are technologies designed to assist drivers in preventing accidents by alerting them to potential dangers and providing assistance in emergency situations. Examples include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) #
ADAS refers to a range of technologies that provide automated assistance to drivers, including active safety systems as well as features such as adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, and traffic sign recognition.
Autonomous Vehicles #
Autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars, are vehicles that can operate without a human driver. They use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate and make decisions.
Cybersecurity #
Cybersecurity refers to the protection of computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. In the context of transportation, it involves securing connected vehicles, infrastructure, and data from cyber threats.
Connected Vehicles #
Connected vehicles are vehicles that can communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices. They use wireless technologies such as DSRC and cellular networks to share data and improve safety, mobility, and efficiency.
Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) #
CIP refers to the security measures taken to protect critical infrastructure, such as transportation systems, from physical and cyber attacks. This includes measures such as access control, surveillance, and incident response.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) #
ESC is a technology that helps prevent loss of control and rollover accidents by detecting and correcting vehicle instability. It uses sensors to monitor the vehicle's speed, steering angle, and lateral acceleration, and applies individual brakes to stabilize the vehicle.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) #
ITS refers to the application of advanced technologies to transportation systems to improve safety, mobility, and efficiency. This includes systems such as traffic management, traveler information, and freight management.
Risk Assessment #
Risk assessment is the process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks to determine their likelihood and consequences. In the context of transportation, it involves assessing risks to safety, security, and infrastructure.
Smart Cities #
Smart cities are urban areas that use advanced technologies to improve the quality of life for citizens. This includes the use of ITS to improve transportation systems, as well as other applications such as smart energy, water, and waste management.
Traffic Management #
Traffic management refers to the use of ITS to monitor and control traffic flow. This includes systems such as traffic signals, ramp meters, and variable message signs, as well as real-time traffic information and incident management.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) #
The TSA is a US federal agency responsible for transportation security. It oversees security measures for modes of transportation such as aviation, mass transit, and pipelines.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) #
UAVs, also known as drones, are aircraft that can operate without a human pilot. They use autonomous systems and remote control to navigate and perform tasks, such as aerial surveillance and delivery.
Vehicle #
to-Everything (V2X) Communication: V2X communication refers to the wireless communication between vehicles and other entities, such as infrastructure, devices, and networks. It enables real-time data sharing to improve safety, mobility, and efficiency.
Vulnerability Assessment #
Vulnerability assessment is the process of identifying and evaluating weaknesses in a system or infrastructure. In the context of transportation, it involves assessing vulnerabilities to physical and cyber attacks, as well as operational and environmental risks.
Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments (WAVE) #
WAVE is a standard for wireless communication in transportation systems. It uses DSRC technology to enable V2X communication between vehicles and infrastructure.
Sources: #
Sources:
* National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) #
(2021). Active Safety Systems. Retrieved from
* SAE International. (2021). Glossary of Terms. Retrieved from <https #
//www.sae.org/standards/content/glo-01037/>
* US Department of Transportation (USDOT) #
(2021). Intelligent Transportation Systems. Retrieved from
* US General Services Administration (GSA) #
(2021). Cybersecurity. Retrieved from
* US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) #
(2021). About TSA. Retrieved from