Zebra crossings are designed to ensure pedestrians can cross safely from one sidewalk to another. However, this isn't always the case. According to DGT figures , 91 people were killed in collisions in 2020.
To prevent this, infrastructure improvements are needed, as well as greater awareness among drivers, who must exercise extreme caution in cities, and among pedestrians, who must avoid crossing the street improperly.
In their goal of ensuring compliance with regulations and preventing collisions, authorities have pursued various strategies at zebra crossings. The most common is installing a speed bump at the zebra crossing, stripes before the crossing to ensure drivers reduce their speed, or installing cameras that automatically fine drivers who run red lights. But why not invest in technology to reduce collision rates?
Smart zebra crossings
As is already the case in other areas of mobility, pedestrian crossings can also benefit from technology to improve safety.
In fact, many cities are already applying technology to signaling by installing smart zebra crossings to reduce collisions. These crossings are equipped with sensors that detect the presence of pedestrians at a distance of up to four meters. The system uses white LED lights to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians about to cross. This measure significantly reduces risk situations, allowing people to cross more safely.
Connected road safety
This technology, already used in some Spanish cities, allows for monitoring the number of pedestrians using zebra crossings daily, thanks to the data collected by sensors, which is automatically transmitted to a remote control center for global management. This represents a further step toward smart roads and a reduction in the number of road accidents.
