Development of an automated crash notification system: an undergraduate research experience

This paper reports on a multidisciplinary undergraduate research project to design, develop, and test a low cost automated crash notification system. The completed in-vehicle system combines wireless communications and Global Positioning Systems with a network of silicon accelerometers to detect a serious automotive collision and automatically summon Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the crash site. The paper discusses the results of the development effort, the multidisciplinary nature of the project and the undergraduate team, and the challenge of balancing contractual commitments and ensuring a rewarding undergraduate research experience.