At its core, this term refers to a device that can detect the presence or movement of vehicles. The device then relays the information that will help the traffic management team to handle various essential tasks.
These can include signal control, ramp control, incident evaluation, and information accumulation on vehicle traffic. Plus, they are also available with many different features to suit specific data collection purposes. Engineers can then use this information to make roads safe and more efficient for vehicle owners.
Types of Traffic Detection Devices
These sensor types classify into two key major categories. These include the “in the road” and “over roadway” sensors.
The In-Road Sensors
The in-roadway sensors are the ones that sit under the surface, usually on a place such as the pavement on the surface of the road. Plus, they detect traffic-flow by detecting pressure changes that occur on the road surface.
The common examples in this category include inductive loop monitors, magnetometers, or tape switches. These are placed on the road’s surface and work by detecting specific road surface changes.
The Over Roadway Sensors
The over roadway sensors sit above, on the road. They are often installed on the roadway or alongside the road, closest to vehicle movement on roads. The common types of over roadway sensors include ultrasonic and passive infrared sensors. These types might require added customization to ensure optimal data collection results.
Benefits of Traffic Detection Devices
Being able to use the current transportation resources is essential. The popular rates worldwide are continually increasing, and handling issues such as traffic-flow or road accidents requires an informed approach. The following are the key benefits of detection systems:
Helps to Maximize Traffic Resources
Most cities around the world are experiencing increased congestion. Plus, the limited capacity to increase road facilities has also led to various challenges. Using traffic detection devices is, therefore, crucial in making the most of these resources.
Provides Useful Information for Engineers
Nowadays, engineers responsible for roadworks projects require the right information to work on traffic management projects. Using detection systems is crucial because some of the systems can be customized by the engineers. For instance, they can leverage special sensors to acquire information and make upgrades to road facilities.
Features of Traffic Detection Devices
Usually, these devices are fitted with special features by engineers. These unique features make the devices suitable for management purposes, as the data can improve the resources’ use. Below are some of the key elements of these devices:
- Bluetooth/Wi-Fi – these wireless systems allow the systems to collect information on travel times.
- Autonomous functions – they can also function for well over one week and on a single battery charge.
- Speed sensors – these machines work to collect information on the speeds at which automobiles travel on the given roadway.
- Presence detection sensors – these types work to collect information on the amount of time these vehicles spend on specific road sections.
- Video detection sensors – these sensors can identify specific areas for data collection purposes.
Are Traffic Detection Devices Capable of Preventing Injuries?
These devices are indeed crucial in preventing injuries in many ways. While most of them are designed by engineers to help manage congestion on roads and promote sustainable usage of the roads, they can also stop injuries. The information acquired from these devices can be crucial in developing useful resources such as zebra crossings and pedestrian bridges over highways.
The leading cause of injuries on the road would be negligent driving and poor construction of roadway facilities. Using detection devices can be a good way of managing these issues. The technology involves using resources such as video detection sensors, which can provide useful information to road makers. These engineers can then leverage this information to improve road safety.
Manage Traffic Better with These Devices
Overall, managing public resources such as roadways is important in many ways. The ever-increasing rates of traffic issues across roads today is becoming a challenge. Using devices such as traffic detection systems can be crucial in solving such problems. These are special tools that have sensors for data collection. Engineers can then use this information to make the right adjustments to make congestion easy to manage and reduce injuries.
If you would like to learn more about how one of these systems could help manage traffic in your area, please contact us today at Worksafe Traffic Control Industries to speak with a professional