Smart Technologies for Traffic

technologytraffic.com/2020/05/01/modern-traffic-technologies-by-board-room

A delicately interwoven network of processes, smart technologies for traffic can help transport workers, drivers and commuters improve efficiency and flow of traffic. Intelligent traffic systems can alter the control mechanisms, such as traffic lights as well as freeway onramp meters, and bus rapid transit lanes. They also use advanced IoT routers and hardware, cellular technology and cell networks. They can also predict changes in traffic demand, and provide real-time data to road users.

A good example is the traffic signal system that is adaptive in Pittsburgh. Stephen Smith, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU), installed his first traffic signals in a congested part of East Liberty in the city. He noticed immediate results. Drivers drove 25 percent more efficiently and were able to drive 40 percent more efficiently.

The system collects information from sensors that are monitoring the flow of traffic and altering their timings in real-time and also spotting pedestrians at intersections and allowing them time to safely traverse the street. Sensors send their raw data to a central hub where it is processed by artificial intelligence. The data is then transmitted back to the intersections via 5G-enabled cell networks.

These advanced systems also enable better, more precise modeling of risk-reducing scenarios that a human traffic supervisor could not accomplish – all in real-time. This is a major step towards Vision Zero, the goal of accident-free road driving where humans and vehicles are able to travel together without collision.