Walking is one of the healthiest activities for people of all ages and abilities, yet it can be one of the most dangerous forms of exercise in one’s community.
Pedestrian fatalities have been at an all-time high for the last four decades. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) reported that 7,522 pedestrians were struck and killed by cars in 2022. In 2021, 104 pedestrians were killed in the state of Oklahoma alone.
The good news here is that advancements in pedestrian safety technology have the potential to save lives and sharply curb these tragedies.
The Artificial Intelligence Approach
Who knew AI systems could play significant roles in future pedestrian safety and create more responsive urban environments?
Artificial intelligence technology with computer vision can provide sophisticated solutions in smart traffic management systems, enhanced surveillance, predictive analytics and autonomous vehicles.
For example, AI-driven traffic lights can perform effective pedestrian-friendly actions. The technology can adjust the timing of a traffic light based on the volume of pedestrian traffic. In one scenario, the walk signal could be extended so a large group of pedestrians could cross the street safely.
AI can avert potential pedestrian-vehicle collisions. City traffic managers identify the patterns and high-risk times or conditions in areas with high pedestrian traffic. AI predictive models inform the placement of additional signage, speed bumps or pedestrian crosswalks in these hot spots.
AI systems are being used for workplace safety. A special detection camera system minimizes the risk of injuries and damage within busy environments. The system’s algorithm can detect moving and static pedestrians and alert the machine operator to potential hazards.
Smart Crosswalk Systems
Other initiatives gaining popularity across the nation include smart crosswalks. These infrastructure advancements can greatly improve the pedestrian crossing environment.
These high-tech, sensitive, safety features are silent and embedded into the asphalt with sensors that can pick up even the slightest movement. The sensors turn on signals like flashing lights or LED strips in the road alerting drivers in real-time that someone is crossing.
The only negative with smart crosswalks is their high cost. If a community has outdated infrastructure, it’s expensive to integrate the method into the system because of the complex technology, regular maintenance and data processing involved. These modern crosswalks incorporate state-of-the-art features, including lighting systems, cameras and underground cables.
Protective Vehicle Structures
Even the front-end shape of new vehicles is being considered to make pedestrians safer in this busy world. Much research has gone into pedestrian injury studies regarding vehicles with certain hood heights and front edges. According to thousands of police-reported crashes, vehicles with tall and blunt and tall and sloped front ends caused the most risk of pedestrian fatalities.
Lower and more sloped vehicle front ends are the solution, and automakers are urged to make these design changes. Scientists are looking into advanced, energy-absorbing materials that can help “cushion” the blow during an accident.
Cellbond, a top-rated supplier of vehicle crash safety test equipment in the U.K., is developing lightweight, durable composite materials to minimize serious injury to pedestrians upon a vehicle’s impact.
Pedestrian fatalities don’t only affect the U.S. The European Union is also concerned about the issue and prioritizing pedestrian protection by supporting legislation on safer car fronts for pedestrians and cyclists.
You Can’t Put a Price on Safety
Pedestrians include people of all ages, and children are especially vulnerable. Statistics show more than 40 children are hit by vehicles daily in or around school zones. Advancements in pedestrian safety technology represent promising steps forward in reducing pedestrian accidents, and it is all worth it.
