ASSIGNMENT

IN
MODERN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

SUBMITTED TO: DR. JIFFREY SAGURAN, PHDCRIM.

SUBMITTED BY: MARVILYNE S. ICAO
 Modern Traffic Management
1. How has modern technology improved traffic management, and what are some
examples of these technologies?

Introduction:

In today’s high speed life, traffic congestion becomes a serious issue in our day
to day activities. It brings down the productivity of individual and thereby the society as
lots of work hour is wasted in the signals. High volume of vehicles, the inadequate
infrastructure and the irrational distribution of the signaling system are main reasons for
this chaotic congestions. It indirectly also adds to the increase in pollution level as
engines remain on in most cases.

Traffic management plays a crucial role in tackling many societal problems. It’s
been effective in making driving safer, reducing pollution, increasing walkability, and
helping governments update existing infrastructure.

The state of the art technology has blessed us with intelligent traffic management
system which has not only led to the streamlining of traffic but also saves a lot of time by
pre-informing the commuters about the traffic conditions, weather condition, alternative
route, route nap etc. The rising pace of traffic flow and with the increasing number of
vehicles on the road, it is very important that we have a system in place that can remove
bottlenecks of traffic.

Research
In the Journal of Advanced Transportation’s report on Advances in Traffic Safety
Methodologies and Technologies, researchers identified traffic management solutions as
“of practical importance” to decrease the frequency of accidents, improve transportation
systems, limit congestion, and reduce air pollution. Further development of these
technologies will play a critical role in addressing problems of current and future
transportation systems. Looking at current technologies shows us the potential for our
future roadways. This is largely due to developments in roadway and vehicle safety that
were made in response to data collected by traffic management technologies.
In fact, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD)
research on the impact of road safety technologies shows that future developments
could reduce fatalities and injuries by 40%.

Traffic management technology can benefit all commuters from drivers to cyclists
to public transit users by creating roadways that are safer, smarter, and more efficient.
These benefits extend beyond the road and have been proven to have positive impacts
extending from the economy to the environment.

The impact of these technologies is far-reaching. They can lead to:

 Reduced congestion and Time Saved: Smoother traffic flow means less time stuck in
jams.
 The average American commuter is projected by 2025 to spend 62 hours a year
stuck in low-flow traffic. That’s more than two and a half days’ worth of time wasted.
However, researchers found that U.S. cities implementing Intelligent Transportation
System (ITS) technologies improved traffic flow and saved commuters 175 million hours
a year in travel time. The expansion of ITS and other traffic safety technologies has the
potential to drastically reduce traffic congestion and commute times nationwide.

 Improved safety, more Inclusive Streets: Early detection of incidents and better
enforcement can prevent accidents.
OECD research on infrastructure-based safety systems has tied the technologies
to the drastic reductions in the number of fatal car accidents. Traffic technologies also
collect data on street use and driving patterns that influence future infrastructure
developments. This helps planners create street systems that are safer for drivers,
pedestrians, and cyclists alike. Expanding these technologies is crucial to helping reduce
the number of bike accidents and pedestrian deaths and for developing street plans that
foster diverse modes of transportation.

 Environmental benefits: Less idling due to congestion means lower emissions.

Traffic management technologies create more efficient systems that reduce both
the number of drivers on the road and the time each individual spends driving or struck
in traffic. This is good for commuters and for the earth. The same ITS technologies
ranging from roadside cameras to 511 information systems to cell phone traffic apps
have also been shown to help drastically reduce pollution. Cities that used these
technologies saw a 53-million-gallon decrease in fossil fuel consumption and a 10-
billion-pound reduction of C02 emissions annually.

 Economic Prosperity: Utilizing and expanding traffic management technologies can

also help cities and states create better economies.
Researchers at the London School of Economics found that cities utilizing ITS
save more than $4.7 billion a year in lost work and productivity. Longer commute times,
currently made worse by congested traffic, are associated with health
complications, lower employee satisfaction, and higher rates of worker absenteeism.
Traffic management technologies have been shown to reduce roadway congestion and
would help alleviate these issues. Traffic management technologies also play a key role
in developing walkable cities that benefit from increased property values, higher rates of
spending within the community, decreased car costs, lower health-related expenses,
and a more talented workforce.
Recent Innovations
Planners and policymakers are embracing new, advanced traffic management systems
to reduce congestion and create safer, more successful communities. These innovative
solutions are used alongside traditional methods and give city officials new insights into how to
make roadways more efficient.
Modern technology has revolutionized traffic management, making our roads not only
more efficient but also safer sustainable. Here are examples of modern technology that
improved Traffic Management
1. Real-Time Traffic Feedback
Cities across the United States have started utilizing Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled
sensors. These sensors are placed on roads and public transit routes and allow anyone to go
online to view levels of traffic congestion, available parking spaces, and locations of busses and
streetcars. The Kansas City streetcar system’s IoT sensors have helped revitalize the public
transit system as citizens know exactly where the streetcars are and how long before they reach
pickup locations.
2. Adaptive Traffic Signals
Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) technology lets automobiles “communicate” with adaptive
traffic control signals to help cities gain better insights into traffic patterns and problems. Cities
are outfitting government vehicles with V2I devices that relay information about individual cars’
speeds, movements, time spent at lights, and other valuable data. This information is giving
officials insight into how long vehicles sit at idle lights, so they can improve signal timing to
make drive times more sustainable and efficient.
3. V2I Safety Signals This emerging technology allows cars to literally talk to traffic
infrastructure. Imagine a car approaching a red light that can communicate with the signal and
get an update on when it will turn green. This can improve traffic flow and even warn drivers of
upcoming hazards.
While some states’ drivers deal with frequent roadway congestion, others have to worry
about inclement weather. States like Wyoming have started using V2I to relay information about
hazardous weather and other obstructions to drivers statewide. The Wyoming Department of
Transit’s Connected Vehicle Pilot Program has 75 short-range communication units installed at
critical points along their major highways, with sensors equipped in government snowplows,
patrol cruisers, and trucks. These vehicles and sensors then relay information about road
conditions to drivers using radio, cellular, and fiber connections to improve.
4. Pedestrian Tracking Systems
V2I technologies can also be used to improve safety for pedestrians. Some cities such
as Las Vegas use V2I and vision-based data to detect vehicle and pedestrian behavior at
intersections. By tracking how many cars and pedestrians pass through an intersection, city
planners can determine how to shift traffic flows and when to time traffic light changes. This
increases roadway efficiency and makes intersections safer to cross for pedestrians.
Conclusion:
Traffic management technologies are changing how we drive and how we live. Not only
can they help alleviate roadway congestion crisis, but they’re also helping tackle social,
economic, and environmental issues. These tools, in combination with driver safety features,
are being used to address problems ranging from negligent driving to excess CO2 emissions.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more sophisticated traffic management
systems to emerge. The ultimate benefits are a win-win for everyone: reduced commute times,
improved safety, and a positive impact on the environment.
2. Discuss the impacts of modern traffic management on urban planning and the
environment. Include both positive and negative.

Modern Traffic Management: Reshaping Cities and the Environment (Positives

and Negatives)
Modern traffic management goes beyond stop signs and traffic lights. It's a complex web
of technology and strategies aimed at smoother traffic flow, but it also significantly
impacts urban planning and the environment. Let's delve into both the positive and
negative effects:

Positive Impacts:
 Livable Cities: By reducing congestion and improving travel times, modern traffic
management makes cities more livable. This encourages people to walk, cycle, and use
public transport, creating a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
 Environmental Benefits: Less congestion means fewer idling vehicles, leading to
reduced air and noise pollution. Smart traffic light systems that adjust to real-time
conditions further optimize traffic flow and minimize emissions.
 Urban Planning Integration: Traffic management can be integrated into urban planning
from the get-go. This means creating walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use development
(combining residential and commercial areas), and prioritizing public transport
infrastructure. This reduces car dependency and creates a more sustainable urban
fabric.
 Data-Driven Decisions: Modern systems collect real-time traffic data. This allows urban
planners to identify bottlenecks, predict congestion patterns, and make informed
decisions about infrastructure investments and traffic flow optimization.

Negative Impacts:
 Tech Reliance: Modern traffic management relies heavily on technology. This can be
expensive to implement and maintain, creating a barrier for smaller cities with limited
budgets. Additionally, dependence on technology creates vulnerabilities to cyberattacks
or system failures.
 Induced Demand: Sometimes, improved traffic flow can lead to more people driving,
negating some of the environmental benefits. This is known as induced demand. Careful
planning and policies promoting alternative modes of transport are crucial to prevent
this.
 Privacy Concerns: Data collection for traffic management can raise privacy concerns.
Ensuring anonymized data and clear communication about how data is used is vital to
maintain public trust.
 Equity Issues: Not everyone benefits equally from modern traffic management. Low-
income communities may not have access to reliable public transport, potentially
increasing their reliance on cars. Inclusive planning that considers the needs of all
residents is essential.

Conclusion:
Traffic management and control interventions are strategies and measures that
aim to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of road networks. They can
 include various types of devices, systems, policies, and regulations that affect the
behavior and performance of traffic participants, such as drivers, pedestrians, cyclists,
and public transport users.
Overall, modern traffic management has the potential to be a game-changer for
cities. By creating a collaborative effort between urban planning, technology, and
environmental considerations, cities can become more efficient, sustainable, and livable
for all.

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