Can Smart City Infrastructure Help in Managing Traffic?
Traffic accidents continue to be the core cause of death and serious injury, making road safety a critical issue. The WHO states that the number of lives traffic accidents claim is about 1.19 million annually. This concerning figure highlights the immediate need for creative ways to improve traffic safety and lower the number of collisions. A possible strategy to address traffic congestion and accidents has surfaced in recent years: smart city infrastructure. Cities can make roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers by utilizing cutting-edge technologies. Let’s take St. Louis, Missouri, for example. With the continuous implementation of smart city projects, this city stands out as a notable example. The city shows how smart traffic and road safety features can be applied to reduce the number of auto accidents. To illustrate the possible advantages, let’s examine how smart city infrastructure affects traffic safety in light of a tragic event.
Intelligent Urban Infrastructure and a Late-Life Car Accident
The smart infrastructure of cities incorporates modern technologies to increase resilience and livability. It includes interconnected, sustainably, and efficiently designed public transportation, utility, and other systems. In recent years, St. Louis has been actively building its infrastructure to emerge as a smart city. It has partnered with US Ignite. The aim is to advance various smart city goals, including public safety, digital equity, and public transit improvement. Early on February 14, 2024, a speeding Jeep driven by a 22-year-old man ran red lights at North 18th and Olive streets. This incident led to a tragic multi-car collision close to downtown St. Louis. The Jeep killed a mother and her daughter when it struck people crossing the street in a crosswalk. The vehicle kept going off control and eventually T-boned another car, seriously hurting the driver. In regard to the city's continuous efforts to improve road safety, such events bring forward the need for improved measures.
Improved Road Safety Features
Automated enforcement devices can discourage risky driving practices. The fact is getting more evident as different cities, towns, and states are making an effort to implement the same. California has introduced a law permitting the installation of speed safety cameras. This applies to six local regions, comprising Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Additionally, Richmond, Virginia, announced plans to deploy four safety cameras. This move is specific for school zones to ensure safety for scooter riders, pedestrians, and cyclists. St. Louis officials, on the contrary, are also looking to get such cameras installed to boost pedestrian safety. Remember, even with these enforcement devices in place, you can still suffer a personal injury from traffic accidents. So, if you are specifically from this city, consult with local St. Louis personal injury lawyers. They can make court proceedings and further negotiations easier for you.
Smart Traffic Management
Advanced traffic management systems are key to smart city infrastructure that can lower the likelihood of accidents. These systems track traffic patterns and conditions in real-time using cameras and sensors. Implementing this technology can be beneficial, especially in the mentioned case of St. Louis. In this city, traffic congestion and distracted driving, identified by TorHoerman Law as leading causes of car accidents, require innovative solutions. According to data from FHWA, adaptive traffic signals are designed to decrease the probability of collisions at intersections. The smart system can also delay or shorten travel times, which helps to reduce accidents occurring. This could aid in traffic management, warn vehicles of potential dangers, and improve traffic signals to lessen stop-and-go driving.
Connected Car Technology
Connected car technology, which enables communication between automobiles and traffic management systems, is a feature of smart infrastructure. In the past ten years, 4G has been the primary cellular technology integrated into vehicles through NAD modules. However, as we move into the next decade, the emergence of mobility needs will see the adoption of 5G technology. Such communication through advanced connectivity is essential. For instance, St. Louis, with drivers stuck in traffic for 17 hours of their lives, must boost connected technology adoption. By adjusting the lighting interval based on traffic data, adaptive traffic signals bring down the percentage of collisions at intersections. This way the modern system can impend dangers and even other cars' movements. According to findings from Counterpoint’s Smart Automotive research, two-thirds of new cars come with built-in connectivity. This figure is projected to reach nearly 100% by 2030. Additionally, from 2024 to 2030, cars equipped with 5G are expected to represent almost half of all connected car sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of building a smart city?
The primary goal of building a smart city is to enhance the quality of life for its residents through tech-based integrations. This involves smart systems leveraging big data, IoT, and AI to optimize city functions and drive sustainable economic growth. Smart cities aim to improve various aspects of urban living, including transportation, waste management, energy usage, and utilities.
How can artificial intelligence help prevent auto accidents in smart cities?
To prevent accidents before they happen, AI algorithms analyze traffic patterns and forecast possible hazards. It also helps in alerting accident hotspots using deep learning models. The said model analyzes data from GPS trajectories and satellite imagery to enable proactive urban planning and traffic management.
How can pedestrian safety be enhanced by smart city technology?
Urban pedestrian accidents are less likely to occur with smart signage, as these improve visibility. Intelligent pedestrian crossings now use cameras to monitor when pedestrians are waiting to cross. Eventually, the cameras send alerts to traffic lights to alter crossing duration based on the speed and size of groups.
How does the infrastructure of smart cities aid in the rehabilitation of victims of accidents?
Healthcare providers, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies can collaborate seamlessly using smart city systems to improve post-crash management. This can expedite rehabilitation services and insurance claim processing. Moreover, intelligent transportation systems in smart cities can manage traffic and clear paths for ambulances. This is needed in the golden hour after an accident, where faster medical intervention can greatly improve recovery outcomes. In closing, urban areas can drastically lower the risk of accidents and save lives by investing in smart city infrastructure. Moving forward, we can anticipate fewer accidents and better traffic conditions for all. However, the condition should be that cities need to develop and integrate these technologies.