Smart technologies for traffic are a delicately weaved network of processes that help transportation personnel, drivers and commuters control the flow and efficiency of traffic. Intelligent traffic systems can adjust the control mechanisms, such as traffic lights as well as freeway onramp meters, and bus rapid transit lanes. They also utilize advanced IoT hardware and routers, cellular technology and cellular networks. They also aid in forecasting shifts in traffic demands and offer a variety of real-time information to road users.
A good example is the adaptive traffic signal system in Pittsburgh. Stephen Smith, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) was the one who installed his first experimental traffic signals to a heavily congestion-ridden area of East Liberty in the city. He noticed immediate results. Drivers were able to travel 25 percent more efficiently and spent 40 percent less time idling.
The system works by collecting data from sensors that track the traffic flow and adjust their timings technologytraffic.com/2021/12/29/generated-post-4 on the fly. It also detects pedestrians at intersections and gives them enough time to cross the street safely. Sensors send their raw data into the central hub, where it is processed by artificial intelligence. The data is then transmitted back to the intersections through 5G-enabled cell networks.
These intelligent systems allow for more precise and accurate modeling of scenarios that reduce risk, which human traffic managers cannot do. And all this in real-time. This is a significant step towards Vision Zero, the goal of safe road-driving where motorists and pedestrians can share the road without collision.