Fox 13 Tampa Bay: Sensors Can Predict Red Light Runners; Delay Green Light for Cross Traffic

Local Fox affiliate Fox 13 Tampa Bay spoke to the City of Lakeland recently about its installation of hybrid detection sensors and automated traffic signal performance measures software as part of its Intersection Collision Safety Program.

The program, which utilizes a combination of Iteris' Vantage Vector® Hybrid detection solution and the Iteris SPM™ platform, is designed to keep motorists stopped at intersections longer when it appears a driver might run a red light.

“It’s very rare for a person to walk away from a red light crash, it’s very severe, typically,” said Lakeland’s traffic operations manager, Angelo Rao. With the goal of preventing wrecks, the city installed special sensors at four intersections. The data being collected by these sensors could be key to saving lives.

“This sensor can actually, not only detect vehicles for movements, but also compute whether or not the motorist is going to safely make the intersection, based on his or her speed and distance,” said Rao. "In other words, predict a red light run.”

Rao took the research to the Florida Department of Transportation last week, requesting approval to activate the delay technology at the four intersections already equipped with sensors. FDOT is expected to make a decision about the program by mid-March. If FDOT approves this and it works, Lakeland could be a pilot city to make red lights longer in other parts of the Tampa Bay area, and maybe even the state.

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David Sadeghi is senior manager, digital marketing at Iteris.

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