Bridging technology and transportation Safety
In the world of transportation, safety is paramount. Every day, millions of cars traverse roads, and pedestrians cross junctions, trusting in infrastructure designed to keep them safe. However, road safety continues to be a global concern, particularly at pedestrian crossings where lives are at risk. Transoft Solutions, a leader in transportation safety technology, is not only aware of these challenges but is also leading innovative solutions. This blog explores how Transoft Solutions, through its TrafxSAFE system and participation in the International Cooperation on Theories and Concepts in Traffic Safety (ICTCT) 2024 event,17-18 October at the Hague, the Nertherlands, is driving forward efforts to enhance road safety, particularly in pedestrian environments.
The importance of Road Safety for Pedestrians
Pedestrian safety is a critical issue in today’s transportation landscape. Statistics show that pedestrian fatalities account for a significant portion of road-related deaths. Between 2010 and 2021, more than 52,100 pedestrians lost their lives on European roads. The alarming rate of pedestrian accidents, particularly at designated crossings, raises questions about the effectiveness of current road safety measures.
Transoft Solutions, recognising this urgent need, has developed tools that use cutting-edge technology to make roads safer for pedestrians. TrafxSAFE is one such innovation designed to analyse traffic behaviour and improve safety by proactively identifying potential hazards before they escalate into accidents.
Introducing TrafxSAFE: The future of Traffic Safety
TrafxSAFE is at the heart of Transoft Solutions’ transportation safety suite. This intelligent system uses machine learning and computer vision to analyse traffic patterns, detect near-miss conflicts, and flag potentially dangerous interactions between road users. It goes beyond simple monitoring by providing data-driven insights, which can then inform infrastructure improvements and preventive measures.
For instance, TrafxSAFE uses automated video analytics to track the movements of cars and pedestrians at crosswalks. By monitoring speeds, time-to-collision, and other safety metrics, the system creates detailed reports that can highlight areas of concern, such as where cars fail to yield to pedestrians or where visibility may be an issue.
The role of Transoft Solutions at ICTCT 2024
Transoft Solutions will be taking its mission to improve road safety to ICTCT 2024 in The Hague, where David Homola, the company’s Business Development Manager for Transportation Safety, will represent the organisation. The event, a leading platform for global traffic safety discussions, provides an opportunity for Transoft to showcase TrafxSAFE and other technologies that can transform the safety of road systems worldwide.
The company is also sponsoring the event, demonstrating its commitment to fostering international collaboration on road safety. Through its involvement, Transoft Solutions aims to share insights, gather feedback, and work with other global experts to tackle the pressing issue of pedestrian safety.
The Smart Zebra Crossing: A glimpse into the future of safe Pedestrian crossings
One of the most exciting developments in pedestrian safety is the intelligent zebra crossing project that David Homola has been working on alongside Attila Borsos from Széchenyi István University in Hungary. This project, set to be presented at ICTCT 2024, is focused on measuring the benefits of smart crossings.
The system involves the use of SafeXone, a technology developed by Visible Crossing, which utilizes bollards equipped with flashing lights and lasers to increase the visibility of pedestrians at crosswalks, particularly during low-light conditions. The innovative use of laser planes to project light across the road ensures that pedestrians are highly visible to oncoming cars, reducing the likelihood of accidents in these vulnerable spaces.
Before-After Studies: The science behind Smart Crossings
The project with Attila Borsos is grounded in solid research, with a before-after study methodology to assess the real-world impact of smart crossings. Video recordings and radar speed measurements were collected at two pedestrian crossings in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. TrafxSAFE was instrumental in analysing the recorded footage, providing detailed insights into traffic behaviours and pedestrian interactions at these locations.
Preliminary results suggest that the installation of smart crossings can help reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts by increasing drivers’ awareness of crossing pedestrians. Moreover, spill-over effects were observed, where drivers’ cautious behaviours at one crossing influenced their behaviour at other nearby crossings. These results highlight the potential for smart crossings to have a broader impact on road safety, not just at the point of installation but in surrounding areas as well.
TrafxSAFE in action: How data improves Road Safety
What makes TrafxSAFE a game-changer is its ability to turn raw traffic data into actionable insights. By categorising road users, tracking their movements, and performing road safety analytics, TrafxSAFE provides urban planners and engineers with a detailed overview of traffic dynamics.
For example, during the Székesfehérvár project, TrafxSAFE was able to identify high-risk moments where vehicles came dangerously close to pedestrians. The system calculated key metrics such as time-to-collision and post-encroachment time (PET), which provided a nuanced understanding of potential hazards. These insights can guide future safety improvements, such as adjusting traffic signals, redesigning crossings, or installing additional safety features.
Why TrafxSAFE is critical for modern Transportation
In an era where cities are becoming more congested, the need for intelligent transportation systems has never been greater. Cars, bicycles, and pedestrians all share the road, and the potential for conflict is high. Tools like TrafxSAFE are crucial in making these shared spaces safer by monitoring interactions and predicting accidents before they occur.
TrafxSAFE can be applied to a wide range of transportation environments, from busy city junctions to quiet residential streets. It has also been deployed successfully outside of built-up areas, monitoring hazardous junctions on trunk roads or motorway network. Its flexibility and scalability make it a valuable asset for cities of all sizes looking to improve road safety. By using the latest in machine learning technology, TrafxSAFE helps transportation planners make informed decisions based on real-time data and long-term trends.
Transoft Solutions: Leading the charge in Transportation Safety
Transoft Solutions has a long history of providing innovative software solutions for the transportation industry. From designing efficient road networks to improving traffic safety, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in transportation technology.
The company’s presence at ICTCT 2024 underscores its leadership in the field. By partnering with academic institutions like Széchenyi István University and developing products like TrafxSAFE, Transoft Solutions continues to lead the way in creating safer roads for all users. Their sponsorship of the event also highlights their commitment to fostering international collaboration on traffic safety.
Looking Forward: The future of Smart Crossings and Road Safety
The world of transportation is evolving rapidly, with smart technologies like TrafxSAFE paving the way for safer, more efficient road systems. The ongoing research into smart zebra crossings, spearheaded by experts like David Homola and Attila Borsos, shows that intelligent design and data-driven insights can significantly improve pedestrian safety.
As we look to the future, the role of technology in enhancing road safety will only grow. Transoft Solutions is at the forefront of this movement, developing solutions that not only address today’s challenges but anticipate tomorrow’s needs. With tools like TrafxSAFE and initiatives like the intelligent zebra crossing project, the future of road safety is looking brighter than ever.
References:
1. Borsos, Attila et al. « Can we improve pedestrian safety by installing smart crossings? A before-after study including spill-over effects, » presented at ICTCT 2024, The Hague.