PhD on smart accident detection and traffic light optimization using IoT and smart camera’s
Dimitrios Zavantis' PhD dissertation is entitled ‘Automatic accident detection and notification system using IoT-based vehicular environment and an internet of smart(speed)-cameras for traffic lights optimization’. The research highlights the importance of rapid emergency response. While some accidents are unavoidable due to human error, timely intervention can reduce the severity of injuries and save lives.
This PhD dissertation entitled ‘Automatic accident detection and notification system using IoT-based vehicular environment and an internet of smart(speed)-cameras for traffic lights optimization’ represents over three years of research and marks a significant contribution to the field of road safety. Drawing on over 15 years of experience from a traffic management centre in Greece, the need for quickly informing emergency services became obvious to Mr. Zavantis, as their timely arrival at the accident scene can be life-saving. The research highlights the importance of rapid emergency response. While some accidents are unavoidable due to human error, timely intervention can reduce the severity of injuries and save lives.
As urban populations grow, road networks face increasing pressure. To improve both safety and traffic flow, innovative solutions are essential. This dissertation focuses on two key technologies: automatic accident detection and traffic light optimization. Using advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), these systems aim to detect accidents in real time and help emergency services reach the scene faster. Optimized traffic lights also ensure that emergency vehicles can move through traffic with minimal delays.
The study explores how these technologies can be implemented to reduce response times and enhance road safety. Using real-world data from the Aegean Motorway, it addresses shortcomings in previous systems and offers new approaches to traffic and incident management.
Want to know more about the PhD research of Dimitrios Zavantis?
On Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Dimitrios Zavantis will defend his PhD thesis at Hasselt University. His defence is open to the public and will take place in ceremoniezaal Refugiehuis, Campus Hasselt. It is also possible to attend this defence online.
Who is Dimitrios Zavantis?
Mr. Dimitrios Zavantis is 45 years old and lives in Dubai, UAE. He is married to Konstantina and proud father of Georgios and Marios. Dimitrios is passionate about volleyball, football and spearfishing and fascinated by Traffic Safety.
Dimitrios Zavantis was born and raised in Larisa, Greece on December 28th, 1979. He started his academic education at the University of Applied Science of Piraeus in Athens. In 2009, he received his bachelor's degree in automation engineering and in the same year started working at the Motorway Management Centre. It was at that time he realized that traffic safety and traffic management is what he loves the most about his job. He started working as an operator, but he ended up as a coordinator of the Motorway Management Centre, showing his passion for his job.
In 2018 he decided to continue his academic career in parallel to his professional work and started with his Master of Transportation Sciences at Hasselt University in Belgium. In February 2022 he acquired his master’s degree with great distinction. One month later, he started his PhD journey at the Transportation Research Institute (IMOB). Since September 2024, he has joined the VITRONIC company and is working as a Technical Sales Manager.