Everybody wants predictable and safe travel options
Building a safer physical infrastructure requires a huge investment, so Infrastructure Owners and Operators are trying to combine these efforts with intelligent communication solutions. Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C- ITS) based on state-of-the-art Vehicle-To-Everything (V2X) technologies can handle traffic situations that could lead to conflict between road users without major intervention. Even at intersections, where the most complex interactions happen.
Commsignia is working with carmakers, bicycle manufacturers and mobile network operators to build up the operating system of connected traffic. It means installing V2X on cars and bicycles for example, and providing data management tools to IOOs. But the roll-out is gradual. We cannot expect all pedestrians and cyclists to be equipped with V2X devices that actively communicate with the cloud or the TMCs – at least not all at once.
This is why it’s very important to start focusing on non-connected road users, digitizing them with the help of sensors. Commsignia works with many sensor provider companies such as Bosch, Teledyne, Smartmicro or Velodyne to integrate their cameras, lidars, radars and other devices with our V2X roadside units. V2X enables IOOs to future-proof their road safety investments and get instant access to advanced traffic services.
Not only for VRUs
One example of such advanced service is the Traffic Signal Priority (TSP) and Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) application. At first glance it may seem like an optimization solution. Sure, it will optimize traffic, as TSP with V2X can help buses, ambulances, fire trucks and urban maintenance vehicles move through signalized intersections faster. It also helps reduce operating costs. An independent study made by the Virginia Tech states that GLOSA brings about 22.1 percent saving on fuel and 6.1 percent less travel time.
Optimization comes with safety benefits
When snow plows with priority do their job faster, fewer people will travel on slippery roads. Garbage trucks cause less disruption in traffic, and less frustration in drivers, so they will keep focusing on driving. And here’s a very obvious one: prioritized ambulances get to the injured people faster, which can truly save lives.
The same priority service can also be a practical tool in supporting VRUs. It can be used to automatically switch to a free crosswalk signal, or maintain a longer signal for safe crossing when sensors detect people on the pavement. V2X performs particularly well in special traffic situations where VRUs are involved. It is worth cooperating with road maintenance companies and local institutions to exploit the potential of V2X. It is possible to set up temporary speed limits when kids arrive at school, and when there are actually people busy in a road work zone.
Commsignia enables urban fleets retrofitted with V2X, such as ambulances and snow plows, to receive these notifications in the same way as V2X-equipped cars and bikes.
It is always a matter of careful planning to ensure that the V2X infrastructure is set up correctly and does not cause disruption elsewhere. Commsignia Central data and device manager platform can provide insights into potential conflict zones to help planners in optimizing traffic and improving the built infrastructure where it is most needed.
At Commsignia, we are committed to improving mobility for all by providing our partners with cutting-edge innovative V2X software, hardware and services. To find out more about the endless potential of a connected ecosystem and V2X technology click here to contact us today.
Off the shelf features of V2X
- connected vehicles urban fleets receive alerts about VRUs nearby
- works without a line-of-sight on a radio frequency dedicated to road safety and efficiency services
- integration with traffic light controllers used in the US
- easy deployment, installation and maintenance
- V2X-enabled vehicles can be notified of
- changes in road conditions, when weather makes driving dangerous
- objects or stationary vehicles on the road
- emergency braking multiple cars ahead in the same lane so drivers can slow down instead of hard braking
