"Smart" Traffic Sign Design to Prevent Collisions

The Transportation Research Institute from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed a "smart" traffic sign which is design to help drivers avoid collisions at traffic intersections that do not have or lack sufficient traffic signals by helping the driver to make the correct decision.

The “smart” traffic sign has two cameras placed on a pole at the intersection. One of the cameras is position to face the main road while the other is facing the secondary road. The data from the two cameras are sent to a computer located below to be processed. In the event that there is a risk of a collision, two yield signs with flashing lights at the intersection will be activated to notify approaching drivers.

According to system developer of the “smart” sign, accidents that occur at intersections without traffic lights result when drivers from the secondary road are not aware of the traffic sign and do not realize that they don’t have the right of way.

"In both cases, the driver makes the incorrect decision," says Dr. Yotam Abramson, the system developer of the “smart” sign. "The assumption is that the flashing light will draw the driver's attention to the sign and increase his alertness."