An innovative trial has now been completed to improve safety at dangerous intersections, where almost one in four fatal crashes occur.
The Andrews Labor Government installed advanced light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors at a busy intersection in Yarraville for six months to detect the movement of road users including pedestrians, cyclists, cars and trucks to identify potential hazards.
The $2 million trial found new technology can accurately and reliably detect potential hazards within 0.2 seconds and has the potential to provide real-time warnings to alert road users of hazards. The trial also investigated ways for intersection infrastructure to communicate hazard warnings to connected vehicles using roadside Co-operative Intelligent Transport System equipment.
This is the first extended trial using LiDAR technology to collect road data in Australia. The latest data shows 23% of deaths and 34% of serious injuries occur at intersections and the results of this trial will allow Road Safety Victoria to closely analyse the highly detailed information to help improve safety at intersections throughout Melbourne's suburbs.
The trial brought government and industry together to improve road safety and was delivered by Omni-Aware, a consortium of specialist technology companies including Intelligent Transport Services, Transoptim Consulting and IBIS Computers.
It is part of the Labor Government's $9 million Connected and Automated Vehicle Trial Grants Program in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission, and supports Victoria's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which sets ambitious targets to halve road deaths and significantly reduce serious injuries by 2030.
This is in addition to the 'don't block the box' trial which began last week with six busy intersections in Melbourne painted yellow to reduce the number of cars blocking intersections which can create congestion and puts other motorists in danger.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
"We all have a role to play to keep all Victorians safe on the road - and for Government, we'll continue to trial the latest technology to drive down road trauma and save lives."
"Road Safety Victoria will now take this data away - and continue to work with local communities to keep traffic moving safely through intersections as Victorians get to where they need to go."
As stated by Executive Director of Road Safety Victoria Carl Muller
"Victoria leads the nation in road safety initiatives and this trial continues our work in investigating innovative solutions to make our roads safer for everyone."
As stated by TAC Head of Road Safety, Samantha Cockfield
"We know technology plays a significant role in reducing road trauma, so as investment continues into making vehicle systems more automated, we're investigating how these technologies can help us reduce road deaths and injuries sooner."
As stated by Andrew Somers, Omni-Aware
"With industry and government working together we've delivered a first of its kind trial using automated vehicle technology at the roadside to better understand its potential for intersection safety."
