Current problems and the need for innovative solutions
The increase in traffic and the complexity of interactions on the road have led to an accident-prone scenario on our roads. Traditional solutions are not sufficient to address road safety in a comprehensive manner. A significant transformation is required that not only addresses the consequences of accidents, but also prevents their occurrence.
Innovations in in-vehicle AI and V2I technology
Driver assistance systems, collision detection and autonomous driving have emerged as essential elements to improve road safety. The integration of AI in vehicles benefits drivers as well as pedestrians and cyclists. These technologies work proactively to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of collisions and collisions.
Technological advances in vehicles are not only limited to autonomous or driver assistance capabilities. Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication systems are also being developed to enable more seamless interaction between vehicles and road infrastructure.
V2I systems allow vehicles to communicate with the surrounding road infrastructure, such as traffic lights, traffic signs and traffic management systems. This means that drivers can receive real-time information about road conditions, such as road works in progress, accidents or congestion, allowing them to make more informed and safer decisions.
In addition, V2I systems can facilitate the implementation of more efficient traffic management technologies, such as traffic light coordination to reduce congestion and improve vehicle flow. They can also help improve road safety by alerting drivers to risky situations, such as construction zones or dangerous intersections. Thanks to AI, car companies can manage road data, improvements in manufacturing and maintenance processes, and useful statistics for both their devices and administrations.
The need for AI data for administrators and policy makers
AI provides valuable information on traffic patterns, critical risk points and driving behaviour. Real-time data is essential for developing strategies and policies to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents. Collaboration between AI and traffic authorities is essential to implement effective measures to prevent accidents and save lives.
In road safety management, data is essential and artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in its analysis. Here we explain how this data can help administrations and authorities:
- Risk point prediction:AI analyses historical accident data and traffic patterns to identify areas with a high probability of accidents in the future. This information allows preventive measures, such as changes in signage or improvements to road infrastructure, to be implemented to reduce the risk of accidents at these hotspots.
- Traffic optimisation:Data collected through traffic sensors and monitoring systems feed AI algorithms that can predict congestion patterns and traffic flow. This helps adjust traffic light timing and divert traffic to alternative routes, minimising congestion and improving transport efficiency.
- Identification of high-risk drivers:AI analyses driving behaviour data to identify drivers with risky driving habits, such as speeding or inadequate following distance. This information allows authorities to target enforcement to those drivers who pose the greatest threat to road safety.
- Evaluation of safety measures:Collecting data on the implementation of road safety measures, such as changes in signage or new speed regulations, allows authorities to evaluate their effectiveness. By analysing how accident and traffic patterns change before and after the implementation of these measures, authorities can make informed decisions on where and how to allocate resources to improve road safety.
Example of the digitisation of road safety systems using IoT technology – Metaurban® SMART
Today’s digital and communications technology is sufficiently mature and has a sufficient economy of scale to design specific solutions that provide added value to road and urban equipment. Its potential is very large and varied, from the detection of risk situations on the road and their real-time warning to users, to the detection of events and useful data for the administration in order to make better decisions in mobility management. The Metaurban® SMART parapet, developed and patented by Metalesa, combines the classic benefits of a restraint system approved according to UNE EN1317 (which provides passive road safety), with PLUG&META® technology that provides added value in several areas:
- Accident and run-over prevention.
- Automatic notification in case they happen.
- Capture of data and events as useful information.
- Remote management of signalling.
Installation in urban and metropolitan areas ensures the protection of pedestrians and cyclists. Metaurban® SMART acts as an active road safety measure, making it an essential component of a safer road environment.
The future of road safety: Protecting and engaging with citizens
Reducing road crashes leads to fewer injuries, less congestion on the roads and a quieter, more efficient road environment. It improves the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, promoting a safer and more sustainable environment for all road users.
The future of road safety depends on a collective commitment to further progress in the development and implementation of innovative solutions. The continued integration of AI on our roads, together with solutions such as Metaurban® SMART, brings us closer to a scenario where traffic accidents are a concern of the past.
