Auto accidents happen frequently in busy intersections, and the Florida Department of Transportation hopes to install new crash prevention technology that can prevent them from happening. HALO technology uses cameras to detect when approaching vehicles do not have time to stop at red lights.
The cameras are capable of keeping lights on the opposing side of an intersection from turning green until a red light violator has passed through. Cameras can calculate the speed and distance of an approaching vehicle to determine if it will run a red light. Transportation officials in Florida hope the new technology will prevent side-impact car accidents, also known as T-bone crashes. HALO cameras will be installed in multiple downtown area locations in Jacksonville.
Red light violators would still speed through red lights, but without putting other motorists at risk. If law enforcement is nearby when red light violations happen, motorists will still receive tickets.
Crashes in intersections are common all over the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 40 percent of the 5.8 million car accidents that occurred in 2008 happened in intersections.
What Other Auto Accident Prevention Technology Exists?
Utilizing cameras at intersections could be useful, but automakers may soon develop technology that can prevent car accidents almost anywhere. Recently, the National Safety Transportation Board called on all vehicles to be outfitted with anti-collision technology.
Smart cars capable of communicating with each other could be utilized more frequently in the near future, giving transportation officials more ways to prevent car accidents.
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McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A. – Orlando Injury Attorneys