Traffic Technology International | March 2023
How leading transportation agencies around the world are improving safety on the roads and reducing crashes with the latest technologies and novel approaches
Every year a population the size of Dallas, Texas, dies in traffic accidents. Not the actual citizens of Dallas but the
equivalent number, about 1.3 million people, perish on roadways worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Roadways are the lifeblood of worldwide economies, serving as conduits for commuters and powering supply chains from farm to table and factory to shelf. Yet, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years. Road safety must, therefore, be at the forefront of every transportation agency’s planning.
Traffic safety funding
In many countries, funding is set aside specifically to implement these tactics. The United Nations Road Safety Fund was established in 2018 for road safety projects in low- and middle-income countries, with the goal of halving traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. In the US, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 provides an additional US$32.5bn dedicated to traffic safety over five years.
Agencies leading the way
There are several ways transportation agencies around the world can reduce crashes. Here’s how some municipalities are improving safety with traffic technology:
Increase driver awareness. In Mayetta, Kansas, vehicles are detected on side streets by wireless sensors at the stop bar to trigger flashing crossing signs upstream of the intersection, warning approaching vehicles. This compensates for limited sight distance at non-signalized intersections on a high-speed main street approach. Meanwhile, Virginia uses Citilog’s incident detection Al technology to alert operators and drivers when vehicles have crossed barriers going the wrong way on express lanes. Law enforcement is alerted in seconds and signs to drivers are triggered in real time to help avoid head on collisions.
1.3 million The number of people who perish on roadways worldwide
1. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged between 5-29 years
INCIDENT DETECTION A.I. IS USED ON NEW YORK STATE BRIDGES TO DETECT CRASHES WITHIN SECONDS
2. Flashing crossing signs are triggered by wireless sensors in Mayetta, Kansas, to warn approaching vehicles of cross traffic ahead
Improve speed control. In the UK, managed motorways use real-time speed data from wireless sensors provided by Sensys Networks to set dynamic speed limits to reduce injury accidents by 13%. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia employs speed enforcement systems powered by wireless sensors in their roadways.
Reduce backups. In Victoria, Australia ramp queue flushing is used to actively clear backups from highways and avoid high-speed rear-end collisions. Furthermore, incident detection Al is used on New York State bridges to detect crashes within seconds and roll out emergency response personnel to avoid secondary crashes and provide medical help.
Protect vulnerable road users. Santa Clarita takes a novel approach – in addition to traditional crossing buttons, a bicyclist app called GiveMeGreen! can trigger or extend crossing signals automatically. The system also triggers flashing warning signs for right-turning motorists to improve awareness.
These applications use the latest technologies and solutions to reduce injury crashes and save lives. Whether it’s the City of Dallas or any other city in the world, safety should be a focus in planning and funding efforts. We encourage you to find out for yourself what funding might be available for your municipality to improve road safety.
