Crossing streets without signals

A new concept has been developed for 21st century road planning, in order to keep the aim of zero traffic injuries and fatalities, also known as ‘vision zero’, alive

Words | Mac Edin, PrismaTibro, Sweden

There are many well-known tactics and strategies for improving safety on our roads. But to keep fighting the good fight against traffic injuries and fatalities, it is important to continue innovating by mixing the older tried-and-tested methods with new technology. This approach can result in improved traffic flows and lower energy consumption, as well as improved safety for those using our roads.

PrismaTibro has applied this concept to its new Street Aid pedestrian approach. In the development process the company embodied its thinking using the acronym AID – three letters that stand for…

A: Activate

In today’s connected world, sometimes you can activate something, but you may not be aware that you have done it. It’s one example of a smart system. Sometimes, on the other hand, the activation can be made deliberately by someone who is well aware they are doing it. Prisma Street Aid can be activated in both these ways. When we think of the word ‘activate’, it is important to remember that we are all a part of the same space and need to communicate with one another.

I: Interact

In an optimum traffic situation – as in life – people are interacting with each other. Indeed, they must be encouraged to do so. For those who are reluctant to interact, we can build the environment in such a way as it helps them. If you want to find out more about the ‘activate’ and ‘interact’ concepts, visit the PrismaTibro booth during Intertraffic Amsterdam 2018. Regardless of whether you are focused on pedestrian safety, driver safety, or interested in the functions of service personnel, you will be an important part of the interactive development of Prisma Street Aid.

D: Deactivate

When a device that is using power is not needed anymore, it should be turned off. Traditionally this can be done by simply pressing a switch, but a smart system can also detect whether a person is actually present – and activate or deactivate itself accordingly.

With pedestrian crossings, a person who pushed the button to cross may change his or her mind and walk in the other direction only a few moments later. A smart pedestrian signal will notice this absence and deactivate the request automatically, so it is ready to serve the next pedestrian at any moment.

Other environmental factors can also help to control a smart system. For example, when the sun is shining traffic can appear much lighter than when it is raining, so smart roadside infrastructure can be programmed to adapt to changes in the weather.

PrismaTibro’s innovative solutions are already creating great interest, and will continue to do so at the Intertraffic Amsterdam event and beyond. n

All the product partners in Prisma Street Aid: Prisma

Daps (left), Prisma Button (above), Prisma Light (below)