South Bay engineer Griffin Doherty invents radar-based wearable tech device to improve runner safety

SOUTH BAY, Calif. (KGO) — A South Bay engineer has created a new device, named PAXEV Running RadarThe aim of which is to make running safer by alerting runners to potential dangers coming from behind through vibrations.

Griffin Doherty, himself a runner, said the idea arose from his own anxiety while training on trails and roads.

Doherty said, “I’m a runner and I’m always worried about what’s behind me. I’m always looking over my shoulder because there’s either a mountain bike coming up behind me or a car. And so that’s a big problem that not only I face, but a lot of other people face as well.”

To address that problem, Doherty helped develop the PAXEV Running Radar, a wearable device designed to give runners greater awareness of their surroundings.

“It’s actually a coverless device. So our prototype uses radar technology, and it alerts you about people, cars or bikes up to 100 feet away with strong vibrations,” he said.

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Doherty said the technology fills a gap that he believes exists in the current market.

“Yeah, so currently there’s really nothing like that. Because if you’re a sprinter, you care about things that are the same size as you or that might be coming from behind you, not just cars,” he said.

Safety concerns remain an issue for pedestrians in the South Bay.

There have been eight pedestrian deaths in San Jose this year, compared to 21 cases last year. Including the tragic death of Adela Naldoza.

While working on the device, Doherty said those circumstances were on his mind.

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“It will give runners more awareness. And, you know, there are times when you’re running on a trail or running on the road and a cyclist comes right next to you. And so it’s really going to help prevent some of those accidents,” he said.

What started as an individual solution has turned into a broader mission, Doherty said. She also pointed to a nationwide Adidas survey that found 92% of women runners are concerned about safety while running.

He said the name PAXEV reflects that goal.

“‘Pax’ is Latin for peace. And ‘evi’ is short for everywhere. So peace of mind everywhere is kind of our mission,” Doherty said.

Doherty said he expects the PAXEV running radar to be available to runners later this year. He said his team is running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the official testing needed before the product can be launched.