Technology is omni-present today and there isn’t a single aspect of our lives where technology hasn’t meddled in. From communication and the way we learn to the gadgets and appliances we use regularly, technology is helping shape and optimize every part of our lives. And transportation is no exception to this rule.
The vehicles and roads of the modern age are drastically different from what people knew before. Just a couple of decades ago, we didn’t have the safety systems and calming traffic measures we have today. Of course, back then, the roads were less congested and traffic jams weren’t a commuter’s worst nightmare. But the need for safety has become more pronounced over the last several years where we witnessed a high number of traffic accidents even amidst COVID when people were quarantined. By incorporating cutting-edge developments and solutions into motor vehicles, the number of accidents per year can be drastically reduced and with these new features, drivers would be able to recognize danger beforehand and react immediately.
Apart from using technology to improve transit safety, it can also be used to make commuting a much smoother experience. With innovative apps providing a number of useful services like ride sharing, a person can easily plan out their journey and make sure they reach their destination on time and stress free.
What else is being done to optimize the transport of today? In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore the topic in depth and understand how the rapid pace of technological innovations is working to our advantage when it comes to transport.
Smart traffic management systems
The number of cities implementing different smart traffic management systems is on the rise. What exactly do we mean by these systems? Well, a smart traffic management system encompasses sensors, cameras and data analytics that help monitor traffic in real-time. They function as advanced systems with the power to control traffic flow and reduce congestions on roads. They often include traffic surveillance, traffic data analysis and variable message signs (VMS).
The implementation of smart traffic management systems has become more frequent across the USA, with the CAGR (compound annual growth rate) being estimated at almost 14% from 2023 to 2030. That alone speaks volumes as well as the fact that the market size value for the last year amounted to 11.31 billion dollars. And the sum is only expected to rise in the next few years. Therefore, we can safely assume that smart traffic management systems are only going to develop even further and become even more efficient in ensuring a safe driving experience for all.
Optimizing vehicle safety
In order to ensure road safety, it’s first important to optimize vehicles and ensure they’re equipped with all required for a safe driving experience. That’s why manufacturers should have this in mind and use technology to improve safety standards. One of the most significant advancements in improving vehicle safety is the development of autonomous driving technologies. This has been one of the key advancements in the last couple of years as it helps reduce the impact of human error. With ADAS, sensors and cameras are used to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide real-time feedback to the driver. By doing so, the driver is at all times aware of potential accidents and is able to avoid them. Other useful features of this system include emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance that drastically improves safety for both the driver and pedestrians.
The automatic emergency brake is definitely a feature that should be found in all modern motor vehicles. As drivers often fail to recognize the signs of potential accidents early on, they are not able to react on time. If we add other factors to that equation, such as fatigue, drowsiness, and distracted driving, the likelihood of an accident taking place increases. As a semi truck accident attorney from Indiana explains, the majority of fatal accidents occur at night during weekends, which comes as no surprise considering the low visibility and slower reflexes of tired drivers.
That’s precisely why optimizing vehicles with different festaures that can aid in avoiding such situations is a must. Luckily, with the technology of today this is no longer just an idea but it’s slowly becoming part of our reality, especially with new vehicle models that are being rolled out.
Ride sharing and mobility services
As pointed out before, technology is not there to just increase safety but also to make transport easy and available for everyone. Technology has facilitated the rise of ride-sharing services that offer users more flexible transportation options. If you’re a non-driver for instance and you want to avoid taking the bus, you can easily turn to one of these mobility services that’ll help you get the type of transport you want. By using different algorithms, these ride sharing services will match passengers and drivers, thereby reducing the need for private car ownership.
These services are not only practical but also cost-effective and eco-friendly, especially in urban areas where parking and maintenance costs are high. Additionally, ride-sharing companies prioritize safety by conducting background checks on drivers, providing driver and vehicle information to passengers, and implementing safety features in their apps. Passengers can also rate their drivers and report any safety concerns. So it’s not exactly like you’re driving with a complete stranger—you can read the reviews and check if the driver is verified before you book your seat.
And none of this would be possible if technology had not meddled in because today we have numerous apps that let us get immediate access to a specific type of transport we prefer. It’s becoming a booming market, with the global value amounting to $61 billion in 2020. We can safely assume the number is only to increase in the next few years with more people realizing the advantages of ride sharing services.
The bottom line
Technology is definitely driving significant advancements in road making and vehicle safety and it’s revolutionizing the way we approach transport. These developments and novelties are not only making transport more efficient and convenient, but there’s also a focus on making driving a safer experience for all participants and reducing the probability of a human error to a minimum. Additionally, with ride sharing services, transport is also becoming more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.
As technology continues to develop at such a rapid pace, we can surely expect further innovation that will take everything to the next level. The way we move and transport goods will be reformed and our transport systems will be transformed into a safer and more sustainable environment for all future generations.