Smart technologies for traffic are a delicately integrated system of processes that aid transportation personnel, drivers and commuters regulate the flow and efficiency of traffic. Intelligent traffic systems can adjust control mechanisms such as traffic lights and freeway onramp meters as well as bus rapid transit lanes. They also employ advanced IoT hardware and routers with cellular technology, as well as mobile networks. They also can forecast changes in traffic demand and provide real-time information to road users.

Pittsburgh’s adaptive traffic signal system is a perfect example. Stephen Smith, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU), installed his first traffic signals in a congested area of East Liberty in the city. He saw immediate results. Drivers travelled 25 percent more efficiently and spent 40 percent less time idling.

The system works by collecting data from sensors that monitor the traffic flow and adjust their timings on the fly in addition to detecting pedestrians at intersections, and giving them time to cross the street. Sensors send their raw data to an centralized hub, which is then processed by artificial intelligence. The data is then transmitted back to the intersections by 5G-enabled cell networks.

These advanced systems permit more accurate and precise modeling of scenarios that reduce risk, which humans cannot accomplish. And all this in real-time. This is a significant step towards Vision Zero, the goal of safe road-driving where humans and vehicles are able to travel www.technologytraffic.com/2022/07/25/start-using-a-virtual-data-room-today-to-save-time-money/ together without collision.