Smart signals that increase pedestrian safety on trial in Dubai
Posted by Zaran Tarapore on Jan 23, 2017
In an attempt to reduce run-over accidents, a sensor-enabled pedestrian traffic light system is on trial in Dubai. Installed by the RTA, the sensor-based traffic light system is in operation on Al Saada Street, a densely-populated area neighboring Dubai’s financial district.
Maitha Mohammad Bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency said, “The system of the signal is designed to eliminate the time allocated to pedestrians if it senses no pedestrians waiting on the pavement, thus providing more time for vehicles to pass."
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Explaining the mechanism of the system, Bin Adai said the sensor-based pedestrian traffic light is equipped with an optical ground system that works in perfect harmony with the traffic. It monitors the movement of pedestrians on the pavement and alters the timing of the signal accordingly.
Currently, most of Dubai’s traffic lights are pre-timed with an allocated time for motorists and pedestrians alike. RTA is considering broadening the scope of this trial by installing several more sensor-based signals at similar locations.
Nadeem Shakir, a traffic management expert in Dubai was quoted as saying, “Sometimes the signal cycle is so long that pedestrians are tempted to take a drastic step of scurrying across the road. Another problem with the pre-timed system is that the pedestrians must wait if the signal is red, even if the roads are empty. The sensor-based system fixes these issues and helps streamline the movement.”
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