Modern Marvels to Feature CATT Lab

Screen capture from the CATT Lab's 3D training game.

The Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory (CATT Lab) will be highlighted in an upcoming episode of "Modern Marvels" that will air on the History Channel on February 28 at 8 p.m. (EST). The episode titled "Superhighways" will examine the CATT Lab's three-dimensional, multi-player computer gaming simulation technology that allows hundreds of remote participants to interact with one another online in various virtual disasters and accident scenarios.

For the taping of the "Superhighways" episode, a Modern Marvels crew visited the CATT Lab and witnessed nearly 50 first responders from across the country participating in a mock scenario involving a four-vehicle tractor trailer incident with multiple, serious injuries. Michael L. Pack, director of the CATT Lab, was interviewed as were members of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and Maryland Department of Transportation CHART program.

The program description is below:

"Modern Marvels: Superhighways"

Millions of drivers travel the world's superhighways each year. See a multi-billion dollar expansion project in Houston, Texas where a stretch of superhighway is being widened to 20 lanes. Take a ride atop the High-Five, a 12-story, five-level interchange that's become the latest Dallas tourist attraction. Then it's off to China's 28,000-mile National Trunk Highway System. Discover how a single distracted driver can cause a major traffic jam. Finally, play a cutting-edge video game that's training emergency personnel how to unclog a clogged superhighway. Visit Modern Marvels for more information.

Published February 21, 2008