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Know the Ground-Truth with Video-Based Data Collection

Big data is a part of the traffic data collection landscape, but bigger doesn’t always mean better. In light of changing traffic patterns during the pandemic, some U.S. states have halted traditional data collection programs for the time being and are instead pushing for the adoption of big data powered software platforms. Big data platforms, however, require specific usage guidelines when it comes to supplementing traffic count programs (see, Virginia’s Report), because big data isn’t an appropriate tool for all use-cases.

New Challenges Call for New Solutions

Technological innovation is accelerating. Several industries have seen widespread adoption of solutions that focus on improving efficiency, maintaining business continuity, and allowing users to accomplish more. While other sectors are embracing ingenuity at a breakneck pace, the traffic industry has faltered. Whether it’s a systemic or localized problem, I think we, as contributors to this industry, have relied on traditional practices and dated solutions that impose unnecessary barriers in our work. Working closely with our customers to help them maximize the benefits of the traffic technology available today, I’ve gotten insight into the problems my fellow traffic engineers are facing, as well as the broader challenges within our industry. One of the most common challenges? Data.

Video detection on the rise

Video detection is fast-becoming one of the most useful tools for upgrading existing traffic infrastructure. Video detection can help traffic teams improve network performance in a short amount of time, while also supporting a city’s long-term transportation goals.

Accelerating plans for Complete Streets

Drastic changes to mobility trends, from traffic volumes to the modes of transportation being used, have some traffic and planning teams implementing plans and programs that support more Complete Streets. While some cities have long-term goals to provide citizens with roads that are more inclusive of all road users, the recent shift in mobility trends has accelerated these initiatives.

Why decreasing traffic volumes are leading to an increase in safety concerns

The implications of physical distancing caused by COVID-19 are surfacing every day. While most of these trends have been expressly negative, a silver lining in our industry is that, across North America, vehicle collisions have decreased anywhere from 30 to 75%. Not only does this translate to safer roads, but there’s an economic value associated with it. For example, the LA Times recently published an article citing that the reduction in crashes has led to 40 million dollars of taxpayer savings daily.

Solving traffic problems remotely

Both citizens and traffic teams feel the pressure when unexpected traffic issues arise. Citizen complaints are good indicators of these issues but rarely provide all the information needed for a traffic team to take action.

Pilot project aims to improve traffic approaching Canada-US border

The Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor doesn’t just carry a lot of traffic. It carries more than a quarter of the approximately $700 billion of goods traded annually between the US and Canada via thousands of trucks that cross the border daily. That creates a lot of traffic along Huron Church Road – the main road in Windsor leading to and from the bridge. And, that in turn creates two challenges: moving goods (and people) efficiently while reducing the impact of all this traffic on the local community.

Are signal re-timings worth it?

If signal retiming makes travel faster, won’t that just induce more demand and erode any gains made? According to Miovision’s Senior Traffic Engineer Sajad Shiravi, even with some increased demand, signal retiming still makes a measurable improvement in traffic.

How live events affect traffic

There are no shortages of traffic nightmares caused by live events. Although they allow us to support our favourite artists, athletes and celebrities, the process of navigating events is usually centered around traffic and transportation. Questions like: How early should I leave? Is it worth driving or should I take public transportation? Can I beat the traffic by leaving early? Are all top of mind when attending an event and ultimately, deter the overall experience.

Event

Recap of ITS America Conference & Expo - Phoenix

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