• April 18th, 2025
• 0 Comments

A new pilot program launched in February in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, aims to keep pedestrians safe using artificial intelligence. A flashing crosswalk outside of Pinckneyville Middle School is now outfitted with cameras and sensors designed to warn drivers when people are crossing and warn pedestrians when oncoming traffic is approaching. Many cities have installed flashing lights for pedestrians at crosswalks, and this new technology is ready for future advancements in the auto industry as integrations between AI-powered intersections and vehicle technology are being developed. Georgia officials will be collecting data on safety improvements and plan to expand the pilot program to other crosswalks.

Cutting-edge technology and innovative systems like this are being developed and piloted across the country as communities seek ways to use technology to enhance road safety and efficiency. The rapid expansion and implementation of Smart Crosswalks is quickly becoming an effective solution for improving pedestrian safety without disrupting traffic flow.

In Vila Nova de Gala, for example, the city has installed several Smart Crosswalk Systems from Omniflow which creates a "powerful visual impact that alerts drivers of the presence of pedestrians on the crosswalks" using motion sensors to detect people approaching and high-powered street lighting, flashing lights on the road, and a crosswalk sign to alert drivers.

Public safety and urban mobility continue to be a top priority for any city or municipality, and installation of technology like these "smart crosswalks" seem to present an opportunity to reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities occurring at crosswalks through the use of sensor and camera technology that can provide real-time information to both drivers and pedestrians alike, allowing them to make informed decisions and avoid potential collisions.

Systems like that from Omniflow boast an ability to improve safety and efficiency using smart crosswalks while offering a sustainable solution that is wind- or solar-powered for resiliency and less power consumption from the grid, smart connectivity with 5G real-time monitoring and control, data-driven insights for optimization opportunities, and an aesthetically-pleasing, modern design able to complement cityscapes.

Data analysis can be utilized to identify patterns and trends in pedestrian and vehicle behavior which can then be used to make data-driven traffic management and infrastructure development decisions. For example, if a particular crosswalk consistently experiences heavy foot traffic during certain hours, city planners can use this data to manage signal timing based on changing priorities during peak hours, or to inform infrastructure improvements like the installation of additional crosswalks or traffic calming measures in the area.

Source: 95.5 WSB

Related Content:

AI Traffic System in Pittsburgh reduced travel time by 25% – Smart Cities Dive, June 2017

Crosswalks hacked in America's three biggest tech cities – Times of India, April 2025

Dark City Roads Deadliest for Pedestrians at Night

New research from AAA reveals concerning trends in pedestrian fatalities which have risen by over 80% in the past 15 years after reaching a historic low in 2009, with almost the entire increase in pedestrian deaths occurring on urban arterial roads and after dark.

Busy city roads are typically built to quickly move a lot of traffic between metropolitan areas while still allowing access to local streets, meaning pedestrians and vehicles often share congested roads that are not always well-lit or have appropriate sidewalks, crosswalks, or traffic signals.

"The study not only identified common underlying factors related to pedestrian deaths, but opportunities where stakeholders can collaborate to make improvements in their communities. We need to work together to create safer transportation systems for pedestrians and other road users," said Dr. David Young, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

AAA Newsroom, February 2025