AUTONOMOUS LIGHT DEMARCATION OF PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY ZONES AS A FACTOR IN REDUCING ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES (BY THE EXAMPLE OF BELGOROD)

This paper considers the aspects of integrating intelligent autonomous light signaling systems into the infrastructure of modern urban agglomerations. The study focuses on analyzing demarcation of pedestrian activity zones as a preventive tool aimed at reducing risks of traffic related injuries. The study objective is to provide a theoretical justification and practical verification of the effectiveness of implementing autonomous lighting modules to enhance the safety of vulnerable road users, using the municipal road network of the city of Belgorod as an example. To achieve the set goal, the following tasks are accomplished: a retrospective monitoring of accident hotspots is carried out, and an assessment is made of the parameters of existing devices at pedestrian crossings aimed at improving road safety. The main methodological approach used is the method of full scale experimental modeling and a comparative analysis of drivers’ cognitive reactions under conditions of varying visual exposure. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the development of an algorithm for adaptive light marking that operates on the basis of renewable energy sources, taking into account the specifics of the urban morphology and geo-climatic conditions of Belgorod region. The study results show the presence of a stable correlation between the use of demarcation systems and the extension of the distance for visual identification of pedestrians under conditions of insufficient natural light, which contributes to the reduction in the latent period for decision making by the driver. The conclusions drawn show the high socio economic significance of scaling up the proposed engineering solutions within the framework of implementing the national programs “Safe High Quality Roads” and the “Smart City” concept.