Transport safety is crucial, especially for people who are more at risk—like children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with fewer resources. Technology is helping solve many of the challenges these groups face, making travel safer, easier, and more reliable. Here’s a closer look at how it works.
How Technology is Improving Safety
One of the most exciting changes in transportation is how technology can prevent accidents before they happen. Systems called Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) use data and sensors to make roads safer. For example, cars can now “talk” to each other and even to traffic lights or crosswalks, warning about potential crashes or helping pedestrians cross safely.
Public transport and private cars are also becoming safer thanks to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These include features like automatic braking if a person steps in front of a car, or systems that help a driver stay in their lane. These tools are now common in buses and taxis, reducing accidents and protecting passengers and pedestrians alike.
Smartphones also play a big role in safety. Apps can track where a person is in real-time, helping parents keep an eye on their kids or assisting caregivers in monitoring elderly family members. Some apps even predict when someone might walk into the path of a vehicle and warn nearby drivers.
In places like Marysville, Ohio, technology goes even further. They use heat-sensing cameras and artificial intelligence to monitor pedestrians. This system sends alerts to cars and adjusts traffic signals to make crossing roads safer for everyone.
Making Transport More Reliable
For vulnerable people, being able to plan their trips without stress is just as important as safety. Technology helps here too. Many public transport systems now have GPS trackers
that show exactly when buses or trains will arrive. This makes it easier for people to plan their journeys and avoid long waits.
Another helpful tool is dynamic routing, which uses artificial intelligence to adjust routes based on traffic or emergencies. If there’s an accident or bad weather, buses or taxis can quickly change their paths, ensuring passengers get to their destinations safely and on time.
There’s also something called Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), which combines options like public transport, ride-sharing, and on-demand taxis. This gives people more choices to fit their needs. For instance, an elderly person could book a ride that picks them up at their door and takes them straight to their appointment, without needing to change buses or trains.
Overcoming Challenges
Of course, these technologies aren’t perfect. One big challenge is cybersecurity. Systems that rely on the internet can be hacked, which could disrupt transport or put people at risk. Another issue is that not everyone has access to the technology needed to benefit from these systems. For example, some low-income families might not own smartphones or have access to the internet, making it harder for them to use these tools.
Governments and companies need to work together to solve these problems. This could mean making systems more secure and offering affordable or free access to technology for those who need it most.
What’s Next for Safer Transport?
The future looks promising. Self-driving cars might soon become a common sight, making transport even safer by removing human errors like speeding or distracted driving. Roads and cities are also becoming smarter, with systems that can guide traffic, predict congestion, and make travel smoother for everyone.
