Safety Data Reporting and Analysis
Data-Driven Intersection Safety Analytics for Vision Zero
From its onset, Vision Zero is a transformative global initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The industry recognized early on that technology, specifically Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), as part of a safe systems approach will provide the best means to bridge the Vision Zero gap. One such powerful tool is intersection safety analytics. By leveraging advanced traffic safety analytics, cities and transportation agencies can shift from reactive crash response to data-driven proactive countermeasures, making roadways smarter, safer, and more equitable.
Intersections are among the most complex and dangerous points in any roadway network. They account for about half of the collisions on the roadways. Traditional methods of crash analysis rely heavily on historical data, often lagging months or years behind real-time conditions. Today, with the advent of traffic data analytics, cities can monitor, analyze, and act on safety events as they happen, accelerating our path to Vision Zero.
The New Paradigm: From Reactive to Proactive Road Safety
Intersections account for nearly half of all collisions. This sobering statistic highlights the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we approach roadway safety monitoring and intervention.
Traditionally, traffic safety improvements were a reactive function. They were implemented only after a persistent pattern of crashes or conflicts emerged. As populations and roadway congestion increase, so do the risks. As a result, this reactive approach is no longer sufficient. With modern traffic conflict analysis tools, agencies can leverage a safe systems approach to detect, analyze, and validate safety risks such as near-miss events, red-light violations, and other conflict precursors to collisions. This proactive strategy is essential for Dynamic Multimodal Network Management. It also aligns perfectly with Vision Zero principles, enabling cities to mitigate risks, preventing tragedies rather than responding to them.
Safety Event Reporting and Analysis: How It Works
Continuous Monitoring of “Near-Miss” Events
The foundation of modern intersection safety analytics is continuous, high-resolution monitoring of traffic patterns and roadway user behaviors. Using sensors, V2X communications, and connected infrastructure, ITS applications can detect near-miss events that increase risk, including abrupt braking, unsafe lane changes, or pedestrian conflicts. These events can be logged and analyzed in real time, digital twin, and modeling and simulation environments. This rich dataset can then be pushed to traffic safety dashboards. Unlike traditional collision reports, which may take months to compile, this data is available instantly, allowing for timely countermeasures and targeted improvements.
Intelligent Analytics with Signal Performance Data
By integrating Signal Performance Measures (SPM) such as phase timing, queue lengths, and pedestrian crossing compliance, cities gain deeper insights into how intersection design and operation affect safety. Emerging advanced traffic safety analytics platforms use machine learning to correlate signal data with safety events, identifying patterns that may not be visible through manual review. For example, a recurring conflict between left-turning vehicles and pedestrians may indicate a need for protected turn phases or improved signage.
Predictive Insights for Preventative Action
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of modern road safety analysis platforms is the ability to forecast risk. By analyzing trends in traffic data analytics, predictive systems and applications can forecast where and when safety issues are likely to occur. This enables cities to address issues before collisions or conflicts happen. This predictive capability accelerates the industry’s toward Vision Zero’s goals.
Use Cases: Making Intersections Safer and Smarter
Identifying High-Risk Intersections in Your City
One of the most immediate applications of intersection safety analytics is identifying high-risk locations. Leveraging ITS to map traffic conflict analysis data across a city, cities can pinpoint intersections with elevated conflict rates. This data-driven approach replaces guesswork with precision, enabling cities to prioritize improvements. Whether it’s adjusting signal timing or redesigning intersection geometry, targeted improvements can dramatically enhance road safety.
Before-and-After Analysis of Safety Improvements
Once improvements are implemented, it’s critical to measure their impact. Traffic safety dashboards enable agencies to conduct before-and-after analysis, comparing safety event effectiveness pre- and post-improvement. This evidence-based evaluation not only validates the effectiveness of changes but also helps refine future strategies. For example, if a new signal timing program reduces conflicts by 40% at intersections with high-speed approaches, similar timing adjustments can be applied across other high-speed intersections.
Protecting Vulnerable Road Users
Vulnerable Roadway Users (VRUs), pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, are disproportionately affected by intersection-related collisions and conflicts. Intersection safety analytics tools are especially valuable in protecting VRUs. By analyzing behavior patterns such as jaywalking, bike lane encroachments, or unsafe turning movements, cities can implement targeted solutions. These may include dedicated bike signals, pedestrian signal phases, or improved lighting and visibility. These measures are essential to achieving Vision Zero and require traffic safety analytics.
Benefits for Traffic Agencies and Communities
Empowering Traffic Engineers with Real-Time Data
Today, traffic data analytics platforms provide real-time, actionable insights that empower engineers to make informed decisions in near real time. With access to live traffic safety dashboards and maps, engineers can diagnose problems, test and validate solutions, and monitor outcomes. This agility is crucial for Dynamic Multimodal Network Management.
Helping City Leaders Justify and Prioritize Investments
Cities and municipalities face constant pressure to allocate limited resources effectively. By leveraging road safety analysis platforms, they gain the data needed to justify investments in infrastructure improvements and ITS deployments. Quantifiable metrics such as reductions in near-miss events or improved compliance rates make a compelling case for funding. Moreover, transparent reporting builds public trust and supports community engagement in Vision Zero initiatives.
Enhancing Mobility and Public Trust
Safety and mobility are deeply interconnected. When intersections are safer, traffic flows more smoothly, pedestrians feel more confident, and mobility is more sustainable. These improvements help connect communities. Furthermore, visible safety enhancements such as countdown timers, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian beacons signal a commitment to higher quality of live. This fosters trust between agencies and the communities they serve, reinforcing the shared goal of Vision Zero.
Scalable to City and State Needs
No matter the size of the city or municipality, intersection safety analytics solutions are scalable. Cloud-based platforms and modular sensor systems enable flexible deployments across complex and diverse transportation networks. From pilot programs at a few intersections to full-scale road safety monitoring across an entire region, cities can tailor safety improvements based on budget, priorities, and infrastructure.
Econolite: Your Partner for Vision Zero Success
At Econolite, our mission is Saving Lives Through Improved Mobility. We believe that data-driven improvements toward safety will make the greatest strides toward bridging the Vision Zero gap. Our advanced intersection control, safety analytics, and SPM solutions are designed to help cities achieve Vision Zero through a proactive and scalable safe systems approach.
With decades of experience in traffic management and innovation, we offer a comprehensive suite of Dynamic Multimodal Network Management tools. Our industry-leading Centracs® Mobility ATMS, multitasking sensor, and Cobalt® advanced traffic controllers powered by EOS controller firmware solutions are the foundation needed for comprehensive traffic safety analytics. Integrated with PTV Group’s simulation and modeling software, our solutions empower cities to make their roadways and intersections safer and smarter.
Our systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, providing real-time insights, predictive analytics, and actionable recommendations. Whether it’s helping to identify high-risk issues, evaluating safety improvements, or protecting VRUs, Econolite is your trusted traffic safety ITS solutions partner in building a Vision Zero future.
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