San Jose and Lakewood are two cities installing AI-assisted smart sensors on their roadways. This will help officials in these cities better understand traffic volumes, detect pedestrians at night, and gather other important data. If all goes well, the new tool should make roads safer for pedestrians and motorists alike.
What the Data Can Tell City Planners
San Jose officials said they were interested in learning more about pedestrian activities at night. Specifically, officials wanted to learn more about why homeless individuals seemed to be at higher risk of getting hit by vehicles at night.
The sensors' data will provide information such as vehicle speeds and how curbs and sidewalks are being used. Based on this data, it may be possible to make targeted requests for more lights, crosswalks, or other tools that can reduce the risks of future collisions.
More importantly, data can be collected both in real time and over a longer period of time compared to traditional traffic surveys. This can make it possible to adjust the length of traffic light cycles or consider changing speed limits on various roadways.
Systems Can Be Adapted to Meet Local Needs
In Lakewood, drivers are met with flashing lights if a pedestrian is detected in or near their path. This is similar to a system that the city uses to alert drivers to wildlife in the area. Therefore, motorists won't be alarmed or confused by something they haven't seen before, which means that they won't be distracted by an item designed to keep them safe.
What Happens Next?
If the initial tests go well, up to 200 more cameras will be installed along San Jose streets. The same is likely to happen in Lakewood, and it's safe to assume that other cities will want to take advantage of this technology.
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