An innovative trial has taken place in Melbourne, Australia, aimed at improving safety at dangerous intersections, where almost one in four fatal crashes occur.
Advanced light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors have been installed at a busy intersection in Yarraville for six months to detect the movement of road users including pedestrians, cyclists, cars and trucks to identify potential hazards.
The $2 million trial found new technology can accurately and reliably detect potential hazards within 0.2 seconds and has the potential to provide real-time warnings to alert road users of hazards. The trial also investigated ways for intersection infrastructure to communicate hazard warnings to connected vehicles using roadside Co-operative Intelligent Transport System equipment.
The extended trial was the first using LiDAR technology to collect road data in Australia. The latest data shows 23 percent of deaths and 34 percent of serious injuries occur at intersections and the results of the trial will allow Road Safety Victoria to analyse the highly detailed information to help improve safety at intersections throughout Melbourne’s suburbs.
“Victoria leads the nation in road safety initiatives and this trial continues our work in investigating innovative solutions to make our roads safer for everyone,” said Executive Director of Road Safety Victoria, Carl Muller.
