At Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), a project titled "Developing a Solution to Reduce Lane Violations in Road Traffic" aims to raise driver awareness and address traffic congestion in busy areas. Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Kırbaş from OMU's Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, and graduate student Akif Akbulut, the project has been deemed worthy of support by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK).

The project, included under TÜBİTAK's 1002 Rapid Support Program, seeks to solve traffic congestion at curves by raising awareness among drivers who commit lane violations and using an AI-supported system to alleviate traffic congestion.

The research utilizes artificial intelligence techniques to enhance drivers' adherence to traffic rules and evaluate the impact of such adherence on increasing road capacity.

Speaking to AA, Kırbaş explained that the project's primary objective is to maximize the capacity provided by existing roadways. He noted that drivers often make lane violations during maneuvers at locations like curves and intersections, preventing the road from being used at total capacity.

Kırbaş stated, "We thought we could conduct this evaluation on two curve sections on the main corridor road network within the OMU Kurupelit Campus. We established the infrastructure for creating a database for these two curves. We acquired cameras to capture the current traffic images and calibrated them. We then developed an AI-supported software to analyze the data obtained from these camera images."

He added that their project is also supported by the OMU Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit, saying, "In the next phase, during the 2024-2025 fall and spring semesters, we will capture image recordings from the identified points. We will analyze these recordings using our AI-supported software and subsequently work on a computer simulation program to reflect the observed data from the field. This simulation software will enable us to perform all desired analyses and obtain results. We will verify these results in the field and produce a smart transportation system database that fully utilizes roadways and reduces traffic problems."

Kırbaş emphasized that once the project is implemented, it will provide drivers with a foundation for better driving habits, allowing more efficient use of road infrastructure. "By following the rules more appropriately, drivers will be able to use the road infrastructure more efficiently. Ultimately, this infrastructure will help prevent issues caused by driver distractions, confusion, and activities like phone usage," he concluded.