New Technologies for Enhancing Road Traffic Safety at Pedestrian Crossings and Signalized Intersections

Despite the implementation of various measures to improve road traffic safety, the accident rate at pedestrian crossings and signalized intersections remains high. The main causes include the human factor, ineffective traffic control, and insufficient use of modern technologies for monitoring and managing traffic flows. Unsignalized pedestrian crossings often pose a high-risk area due to unpredictable pedestrian and driver behavior, as well as poor visibility in adverse weather conditions. Signalized crossings and intersections also have drawbacks, particularly a lack of adaptability to traffic flow changes, which can lead to inefficient waiting times for both pedestrians and vehicles. Therefore, there is a need for research and implementation of new intelligent transport systems capable of analyzing real-time road conditions, adjusting traffic light operations, and improving safety for all road users. This study examines ways to enhance the efficiency and safety of road traffic through the introduction of new technologies in pedestrian crossing management and traffic flow regulation. The research focuses on the effectiveness of sensor-based unsignalized pedestrian crossings, sensor-controlled crossings with intelligent traffic lights, and signalized intersections equipped with adaptive traffic light systems. Their impact on accident reduction and improved traffic organization is analyzed. Practical recommendations for integrating these technologies into urban infrastructure are provided. The increasing number of vehicles and traffic intensity in urban areas contribute to a rise in accident rates, particularly at pedestrian crossings and regulated intersections. Traditional traffic control methods are not always effective as they fail to account for dynamic traffic flow changes and behavioral patterns of road users. Implementing intelligent transport systems can significantly improve the situation by enabling automated traffic management using advanced technologies. The objective of this study is to analyze and assess the efficiency of sensor-based unsignalized pedestrian crossings, sensor-controlled regulated crossings with intelligent traffic lights, and signalized intersections with adaptive traffic light systems. The research confirms that the implementation of smart pedestrian crossings and intersections contributes to a reduction in accident rates and directly impacts the decrease in mortality and injuries among road users. The proposed project solutions developed in this study help lower accident rates, reduce vehicle idle time at smart pedestrian crossings and intersections, decrease harmful emissions and fuel consumption, enhance driver productivity, and improve the overall efficiency of vehicle operations. Further studies should focus on developing cost-effective systems, integrating them into existing transport infrastructure, and evaluating the long-term effects of such technologies in large cities. To maximize effectiveness, detailed traffic flow analyses, local conditions assessments, and pre-implementation evaluations of expected outcomes should be conducted to ensure optimal deployment of smart pedestrian crossings and intersections in urban infrastructure.