Improving intersection safety

A team of researchers headed by Prof. David Mahalel at the Israel Institute of Technology’s Transportation Research Institute has developed a device for assisting drivers in making correct decisions at intersections.

The device is designed to increase driver alertness when approaching an intersection without a traffic light. In situations where there is a risk and traffic accidents can occur, the device warns the driver.

‘We are talking about a smart traffic sign for intersections without traffic lights,’ explained Dr. Yotam Abramson, who developed the system.

‘We install two cameras on a pole at the intersection – one facing the main road and the other the secondary road. Under these cameras is a computer that constantly processes data it receives from the cameras. When it identifies a risk of collision, it activates a flashing light on two yield signs positioned in the intersection. The flashing light is intended to increase driver alertness when approaching the intersection,’ he said.