RADAR SPEED SIGNS: A PREREQUISITE FOR SAFER TRAFFIC

In the traffic sector, radar speed signs prove to be the technology disruptors with a wide range of applications. Simultaneously, the use of radar was established through research many years ago as a technology solution that can solve many problems. But, their usage on Indian roads is still almost non-existent. The most common use of radar that we see on Indian roads is the police radar traps. In contrast, this technology in the western countries of Europe and the US has proved its effectiveness. They have been used in complex applications like intersection management and provide statistics to create smart cities.

Uses of the radar technology

Radar speed signs can measure and achieve high ranges of a lot of parameters on the road. They can sense the direction of movement and the speed of the vehicles. They can also sense the vehicles’ distance from angular objects or persons to detect the drivers and the pedestrians. Such tracking helps determine the vehicles’ behavior, and the data provide relevant traffic information that provides greater efficiency and safety for all road users. The data generated in real-time is best for strategizing for future uses like intersection and arterial management, enforcement, and smart cities. 

Intersection management 

Chaos is often seen at the main traffic hubs in any city, especially during rush hours. Any modern city faces congestions and traffic jams that can be suitably solved by using radar speed signs. Advanced capabilities of radar systems provide information about the traffic in real-time. Besides recording the distance of the vehicles and their speed, it can provide a suitable path of movement for all road users while tracking them. High-resolution radars precisely distinguish heavy traffic while accurately pinpointing the vehicles. They can work in India for vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle management, wrong-way detection, red light enforcement, and traffic statistics. 

Arterial road management

Even one of the radar speed signs installed on an arterial road can monitor road stretches with multiple lanes. This is particularly helpful for motorways or the main thoroughfares that usually handle heavy traffic. This section-control has proven benefits by reducing the risk of accidents while providing real-time information of the traffic situation and any speeding drivers. These radars are best for tunnels as well as areas with full light and work in any weather and light condition perfectly. The method also does not produce images and thus has no data protection complications.

Enforcement

Less manpower to handle traffic-related offenses is probably the major reason for the chaos seen on Indian roads. Radar speed signs can take up this task with utmost reliability and accuracy. The most commonly seen use are the police radar traps that catch speeding drivers. This technology added to an intersection or an arterial road can detect drivers who run the red light, drive the wrong way, or perform unauthorized maneuvers with real-time measurements. The technology can also make drivers aware of the right way to drive safely through constructive feedback.

 Smart Cities 

As technology progresses and networks grow in strength, it is but natural that our cities will become interconnected and thus intelligent. Radar speed signs can be an extremely important part of turning any city smart. Autonomous driving too then can become a reality as sensors and systems help optimize traffic in all areas. These systems also contribute to energy efficiency as radars enable need-based automated control of lightning, parking space monitoring, warn of dangerous weather and road situations, or general traffic information.

Radar technology present for traffic applications

At present, there are four types of radar speed signs technologies available defined as per their radar capabilities. The 1D radar separates only one dimension of the vehicles and road users and measures only the velocity without localizing objects. The 2D radar detects both velocity and range and again does not localize things in the distance. The 3D radar checks for velocity, range, and angle of movement of the vehicles and other users and thus can localize objects in a 2D environment. The 4D radar checks for velocity, range, angle, and elevation. This provides the position of the localized object in a 3D environment. 

Can radar signs be successful for Indian roads?

It is an unsaid secret that everyone speeds on Indian roads. Most motorists are well aware that speeding is dangerous, but it does not deter them from overspeeding. This is evident on freeways and highways and on smaller roads where motorists speed up without even realizing it. More than half of the road accidents, as per statistics, are due to rash driving. This affects the national GDP and also affects personal lives. Using radar speed signs at crucial locations in the city can help ease this situation and make the roads safer for everyone.

The use of radar speed signs on Indian roads is already being experimented in a few metropolitan cities. The use of speed signs has shown improved road safety, which can be combined with enforcement cameras and other programs like the Smart Cities India program that can improve road safety across India. Even a small speed reduction can have large consequences and be the difference between life or death for those involved. Research has shown that even a small decrease of 10 km/h can increase the odds of survival by approximately 30%.

The Best Way to Use Radar Speed signs on Indian Roads 

On a trial basis, radar speed signs in India have shown a significant drop in the vehicles’ average speed on the road. These signs have proven traffic-calming solutions as drivers are warned in advance that helps both the road users and the traffic authorities. The main thing to note is that these signs need to be placed strategically on the highways and roads to serve as triggers for the driver’s brain to identify potential danger and take necessary action. Their ease to install, low maintenance, and robustness to work under almost all environmental conditions make them best suited for controlling traffic on Indian roads.