.jpg)
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.
- 2