Vehicle accidents at intersections account for 20% of all road fatalities in Australia. With pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists being particularly vulnerable. Infringements and red light cameras may be a deterrent, but no one is exempt from making mistakes. But what else can we do?
That moment of panic
Let’s be honest, we have all experienced that moment of panic when seeing the green traffic light change to amber, just when you are about to cross an intersection. Adrenalin rises, Do I continue? Do I brake? or do I hit the accelerator and ‘hopefully’ just get through. In that critical moment you make a decision and then, did I make it? … was there a camera?
More importantly, did I put anyone at risk? Faced with any degree of stress, humans are designed to have a surge of adrenalin to respond to danger. This can result in the responses known as fight, flight or freeze.
With this in mind, these same responses can play out when faced with the amber traffic light in what is known as the dilemma zone. Unfortunately, due to variances in vehicle limitations and ability, such as braking power and acceleration, your chosen response may not yield your desired outcome. Consequently, this may result in a fine, vehicle accident or even death.
Sensing danger
But what if the traffic lights could sense that you haven’t made it through yet. Delaying the green light for crossing traffic to ensure that although you have misjudged your timing you won’t be ‘T-boned’ by another vehicle. Or delaying the green crosswalk signal also to ensure pedestrians and other vulnerable road users are kept out of harms way.
A ‘guardian angel’
Thankfully, such technology exists. The FLIR TrafiRadar combines video and radar detection with intelligent traffic technology to provide a ‘guardian angel’ to watch over motorists and vulnerable road users around intersections. By detecting vehicle speed and time in relation to traffic signals, the system is able to delay crossing traffic, bicycle and pedestrian signals until the intersection is clear and any danger has passed. Preventing vehicular impact and saving lives.
As the system uses video and radar, the traditional inductive loop installed by cutting a channel into the road surface is no longer needed. Providing a detection solution independent of road resurfacing issues. Furthermore, approaching vehicle information can also be captured, with detection range extended out up to 600 feet before the intersection.
Unfortunately, you may still get a fine if you run a red light. However, if you or someone else makes an error in judgement, a FLIR TrafiRadar ‘guardian angel’ can keep the crossing traffic light or crosswalk signal from turning green, letting the danger pass and keeping everybody safe from harm.
By Garry Taylor
Armitage Group
A FLIR Premium Partner