Traffic sign database should be used to prevent accidents, say researchers
Flanders’ existing database of all its traffic signs could ‘talk’ to sign recognition technology in people’s cars, allowing it to update automatically and return valuable information to the driver
Two-way street
There are about 1.6 million traffic signs in Flanders, which are all registered in a database. According to the study, it’s possible to update the database via traffic sign recognition technology, integrated in some newer cars and smart cars.
This way, changes in the infrastructure can be tracked and transmitted to the database. With this information, up-to-date speed maps and the best routes for freight transport can be created.
“By integrating these maps into the system of vehicles, drivers can automatically receive advice on speed limits and the most suitable routes,” said traffic expert Johan De Mol of UGent. “Thirty percent of all deadly traffic accidents and 15% of all accidents ending in injuries in Flanders are caused by excessive speed.”
The speed advice could be purely informative or it could also intervene to prevent the driver from going too fast. The maps with the most suitable routes could, for instance, divert freight transport from schools during the hours that children are on the streets.
Photo courtesy Vebimobe
Traffic in Flanders
largest area covered in traffic ever recorded in Belgium in kilometres
time Antwerp drivers spend in gridlock per year in hours
traffic diversions in Flanders per year
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- Verkeerscentrum Vlaanderen
- Touring Mobilis
