Traffic Tech is Helping Texas Curb Road Deaths

Texas transportation officials are deploying new tech to improve traffic safety and reduce fatalities, reports Chris Teale for Route Fifty.

One tool the state is using is intelligent transportation software that compiles traffic data to improve signal timing and shed light on safety issues. “Together, the data helps traffic engineers see, for example, where drivers are slamming on their brakes or hitting the gas pedal. That, in turn, allows them to determine where safety improvements should be made to reduce the risk of accidents.”

According to Mike Arellano, deputy district director for the Texas Department of Transportation’s Austin District, the technology has led to a 29 percent reduction in ‘secondary’ crashes. “Meanwhile, the data has helped the state open up roadways faster after crashes. Roads are back to normal operations and traffic flow 44 minutes earlier than before.”

This approach requires connected traffic signals, sensors on vehicles, and other infrastructure that is, for now, out of reach for many smaller cities.