Why Road Safety Matters
There's no denying the urgency of safeguarding human life on our roads and bridges. The quest for enhanced road safety is at the heart of everything we do here at Quarterhill, especially as we gear up for IBTTA’s inaugural Global Road Safety Week on June 24-28. The ‘Be Safe Together’ campaign isn’t just a slogan; it’s a clarion call for collective action to make our roads less hazardous. This movement spotlights the collective responsibility of international players to pioneer and implement strategies that aim at decreasing road fatalities and accidents. Each innovation we introduce and each measure we implement is a step closer to ensuring that everyone, from the casual commuter to the long-haul truck driver, arrives at their destination safely.
Why We Develop Safety Technologies
For over 40 years, our focus has been on developing technologies that address the critical needs of road safety. We developed these technologies because we believe that safety doesn't just happen; it requires proactive measures and continuous improvement. Our Tire Anomaly Classification System (TACS) and e-screening systems were created to detect and monitor safety issues before they become critical, helping shape safer practices among road and commercial vehicle operators.
Technology for Bridges and Tolling Applications
Our commitment to safety extends to critical infrastructure components like bridges and tolling systems. Bridges require precise monitoring to ensure their integrity and safety, and our Weigh-In-Motion technology, combined with advanced sensors, provides real-time data on vehicle weights, helping to prevent damage and extend the lifespan of bridge structures.
Quarterhill is also at the forefront of enhancing road safety with its advanced toll road systems, which notably reduce traffic congestion and incorporate innovative technologies. The implementation of dynamic toll pricing, for instance, discourages peak-time travel, effectively minimizing the bumper-to-bumper traffic that often leads to accidents and delays. Additionally, our electronic toll collection (ETC) systems facilitate smoother traffic flow by removing the need for vehicles to stop at toll booths, which significantly decreases the risk of collisions.
Modern toll roads equipped with Quarterhill’s technology feature state-of-the-art safety protocols, such as automated incident detection systems that promptly alert operators to accidents or hazards on the road, enabling a quicker emergency response. Furthermore, these toll roads are maintained to a higher standard, with continuous monitoring and timely maintenance that are essential in preventing accidents caused by road defects. In essence, Quarterhill’s toll road technology not only streamlines the driving experience but also plays a crucial role in ensuring that journeys are safer for everyone.
The recent acquisition of Red Fox ID by Quarterhill further strengthens the safety performance of our tolling solutions. Red Fox’s Quantum technology, including Quantum LiDAR and Quantum HYBRID, provides high-accuracy vehicle detection and classification in all traffic and weather conditions. These advanced sensor technologies support overhead detection and classification, ensuring minimal in-pavement installation and high reliability. By integrating Quantum’s solid-state LiDAR and hybrid solutions, we enhance the safety and efficiency of tolling operations, reducing the need for road closures that place service technicians and the public at risk.
By leveraging these innovations, we support the evolving needs of the tolling industry, making tolling operations safer and more efficient.
Supporting Vulnerable Road Users
Quarterhill's radar technologies play a crucial role in enhancing road safety, offering significant benefits for vulnerable users such as cyclists and pedestrians. Notably, through products like speed display signs and intersection detection systems, these technologies foster safer shared spaces.
The I-SAFE speed display signs equipped with radar technology effectively manage vehicle speeds in crucial areas. By detecting and displaying the speed of passing vehicles, these signs encourage drivers to reduce their speed, creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. This immediate feedback mechanism is essential in areas where slower speeds can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
Intersection detection systems, such as the Icoms TMB-134, significantly boost safety at crossings for both cyclists and pedestrians. For cyclists, radar detection at intersections identifies their presence and can automatically trigger a green light, reducing wait times and discouraging risky crossing behaviors. This technology ensures that cyclists are integrated into the traffic flow safely and efficiently.
Similarly, radar detection aids pedestrians at intersections by detecting their intent to cross and extending walk lights as needed. This feature is particularly beneficial in ensuring that pedestrians, including those who move more slowly, can cross safely without the pressure of a rapidly changing light. Such systems can adapt in real-time to the pedestrian traffic flow, essentially customizing safety measures to immediate requirements and creating a safer, more inclusive roadway infrastructure.
Looking Forward
We are proud to support the ‘Be Safe Together’ campaign, recognizing that real change comes from collaboration. By combining our technological innovations with intelligent policies and campaigns, we can create safer roadways for everyone.
Join us in celebrating Global Road Safety Week and learn more about our efforts to enhance road safety worldwide.
For more information about the ‘Be Safe Together’ campaign, visit IBTTA’s Be Safe Together.