{"id":32457,"date":"2023-05-09T13:00:06","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T18:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/?p=32457"},"modified":"2023-08-10T06:59:42","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T11:59:42","slug":"technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology That\u2019s Improving Public Safety in Austin, Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/#The_Importance_of_City_Safety\" title=\"The Importance of City Safety\">The Importance of City Safety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/#Austin_Texas_Safety_Goals\" title=\"Austin, Texas Safety Goals\">Austin, Texas Safety Goals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/#Safety_Technology_Projects\" title=\"Safety Technology Projects\">Safety Technology Projects<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/#1_Connected_Vehicle_Pedestrian_Crosswalk_Warning_System\" title=\"1. Connected Vehicle Pedestrian Crosswalk Warning System\">1. Connected Vehicle Pedestrian Crosswalk Warning System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/#2_Near-Miss_Detection_Systems\" title=\"2. Near-Miss Detection Systems\">2. Near-Miss Detection Systems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/#3_Velodyne_LiDAR\" title=\"3. Velodyne LiDAR\">3. Velodyne LiDAR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/#The_Future_of_Austin_as_a_Safety_and_Mobility_City\" title=\"The Future of Austin as a Safety and Mobility City\">The Future of Austin as a Safety and Mobility City<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/#Protect_Yourself_and_Your_Loved_Ones\" title=\"Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones\">Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Traffic fatality or injury statistics can be difficult to comprehend emotionally. Each number represents a life lost or a family in pain. Every death is someone\u2019s loved one, and most of these injuries and fatalities are preventable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.austintexas.gov\/department\/vision-zero\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vision Zero<\/a> is an Austin community initiative to reduce crashes to zero through street improvements, policy changes, and education. How has city technology improved city safety in Austin, and how can we work together to accomplish Vision Zero? Read to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Importance_of_City_Safety\"><\/span>The Importance of City Safety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a perfect world, roads would be safe enough that we wouldn\u2019t lose families to traffic fatalities and parents could watch their kids leave on a weekend road trip without worrying they might not make it home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, in our current society, no trip is risk-free. According to the World Health Organization, motor vehicle crashes account for more than <a href=\"https:\/\/rspcb.safety.fhwa.dot.gov\/RSF\/Unit1.aspx#:~:text=Deaths%20and%20injuries%20resulting%20from,as%2020%20to%2050%20million.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">one million fatalities<\/a> around the world each year and 20 to 50 million serious injuries. In 2021, Austin saw <a href=\"https:\/\/www.austintexas.gov\/department\/traffic-fatalities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">120 traffic fatalities<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traffic safety is a critical part of everyday life. Pedestrians and drivers use roads and sidewalks to get to work, school, stores, and home. Safety technology affects everyone and will play a significant role in reaching safety goals in Austin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Austin_Texas_Safety_Goals\"><\/span>Austin, Texas Safety Goals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image postblock-img-right\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/153344992_l-2048x1364-1-1024x682.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/153344992_l-2048x1364-1-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/153344992_l-2048x1364-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/153344992_l-2048x1364-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/153344992_l-2048x1364-1-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/153344992_l-2048x1364-1.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As mentioned above, Austin\u2019s goal is to reduce the number of people injured or killed in car crashes to zero by building a safe transportation network with the city and other community partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.austintexas.gov\/department\/vision-zero\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vision Zero<\/a> has been around since 1990 and has significantly reduced traffic fatalities and injuries in cities where it was implemented. The plan focuses on a belief that serious crashes are preventable public health issues, not unavoidable accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How does Vision Zero work? Vision Zero uses crash data from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.austintexas.gov\/police\/reports\/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Austin Police Department Reports<\/a> to develop a network that identifies streets with relatively frequent severe injuries and fatalities. This network, known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arcgis.com\/apps\/View\/index.html?appid=9d133c89a7944d589e55123aba0ee07f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">High-Injury Network (HIN)<\/a>, prioritizes streets and intersections that can be improved through engineering, education, and enforcement intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Austin\u2019s HIN covers just <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arcgis.com\/apps\/View\/index.html?appid=9d133c89a7944d589e55123aba0ee07f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">8%<\/a> of the city\u2019s streets but accounts for nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arcgis.com\/apps\/View\/index.html?appid=9d133c89a7944d589e55123aba0ee07f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">60%<\/a> of all severe injuries and fatal crashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal is to reach zero fatalities, but what safety technology will get us there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safety_Technology_Projects\"><\/span>Safety Technology Projects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vision Zero combines high-technology and low-technology methods to reduce injuries and fatalities in high-accident areas. Austin is one of 49 communities in the U.S. that has adopted <a href=\"https:\/\/visionzeronetwork.org\/resources\/vision-zero-communities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vision Zero<\/a> and one of four in Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To qualify as a Vision Zero community, the city must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Set a clear goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have the mayor publicly commit to Vision Zero<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set a plan or strategy with a clear time frame<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incorporate key departments into the plan, such as transportation, public health, and mayors\u2019 offices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are three city technology projects Austin is implementing as part of its plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Connected_Vehicle_Pedestrian_Crosswalk_Warning_System\"><\/span>1. Connected Vehicle Pedestrian Crosswalk Warning System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image postblock-img-right\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/154736259_l-2048x1366-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/154736259_l-2048x1366-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/154736259_l-2048x1366-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/154736259_l-2048x1366-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/154736259_l-2048x1366-1-1536x1025.webp 1536w, https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/154736259_l-2048x1366-1.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In 2021, Austin received pilot technology known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roadsbridges.com\/road-traffic-safety\/article\/10654364\/pilot-programs-in-austin-texas-leveraging-technology-to-meet-vision-zero-goals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connected Vehicle Pedestrian Crosswalk Warning System<\/a> for testing. The system protects pedestrians by informing drivers when they are approaching an active crosswalk. When someone pushes the crosswalk\u2019s push button, the system automatically alerts nearby drivers that pedestrians are crossing the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vehicles can connect to the system through wireless technology, which displays warnings and basic messages to drivers. The system can also communicate with non-connected drivers with rapid-flashing rectangular signals on both sides of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pilot will measure the system\u2019s effectiveness in reducing the accident rate at crosswalks. In 2019 (the most recent year with complete available data unaffected by COVID-19), the NHTSA reported <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roadsbridges.com\/road-traffic-safety\/article\/10654364\/pilot-programs-in-austin-texas-leveraging-technology-to-meet-vision-zero-goals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6,205 pedestrian fatalities<\/a>. If the Connected Vehicle Pedestrian Crosswalk Warning System proves effective, the city will create a plan for retrofitting old infrastructure with the new safety technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Near-Miss_Detection_Systems\"><\/span>2. Near-Miss Detection Systems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3m.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3M<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/microtraffic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MicroTraffic<\/a> developed an AI detection system that tracks near-misses at intersections. The technology currently monitors select locations across Austin, where it measures near misses and proactively identifies opportunities for safety improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Near misses include close calls and potential accidents between vehicles or involving pedestrians and bikers. After gathering data, 3M and MicroTraffic make cost-effective safety improvement recommendations, such as high-visibility signs and crosswalk markings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The final step involves reassessing the improvements and monitoring system effectiveness. Safe city technology like this ensures Austin remains at the forefront of innovation that can eliminate fatal crashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Velodyne_LiDAR\"><\/span>3. Velodyne LiDAR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Austin\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.austintexas.gov\/department\/smart-mobility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Smart Mobility<\/a> office has partnered with <a href=\"https:\/\/velodynelidar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Velodyne Lidar<\/a> to test their AI-powered LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. Smart Mobility is currently testing the system\u2019s effectiveness at generating real-time traffic data and detecting all vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LiDAR can recognize near-miss incidents and Advanced Traffic Signal Performance Metrics and Safety Analytics (ATSPM). Unlike many camera-based monitoring systems, LiDAR\u2019s laser sensors work in any weather or lighting conditions. A single sensor at the corner of an intersection can create a detailed 3D model for all road users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Future_of_Austin_as_a_Safety_and_Mobility_City\"><\/span>The Future of Austin as a Safety and Mobility City<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary purpose of piloting this new technology is to create a system that reduces the number of auto-pedestrian crashes and fatalities. The potential benefit is encouraging. According to the NHTSA, connected vehicle technologies could potentially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox7austin.com\/news\/city-of-austin-testing-new-tech-to-reduce-pedestrian-deaths\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reduce accident frequency by 80%<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the pilots go well, the city will likely install more detection systems at other crosswalks and retrofit older technology where necessary. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.austintexas.gov\/department\/smart-mobility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Smart Mobility\u2019s<\/a> goal is to find technologies that will move people and products in faster, safer, cleaner, and more affordable ways. The city\u2019s efforts may also benefit from modern innovations and improvements in <a href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/the-pros-and-cons-of-electric-vehicles-in-texas\/\">electric vehicles<\/a> and safety features that protect individual drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protect_Yourself_and_Your_Loved_Ones\"><\/span>Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The City of Austin\u2019s goals to improve city safety could benefit traveling families and inspire other communities to do the same. However, there may still be instances where you or a loved one are involved in an accident because of someone else\u2019s negligence. The aftermath of a crash can be confusing and exhausting, particularly if a family member has been severely injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you or a loved one are in pain due to an accident, <a href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/contact\/\">please give us a call<\/a>. At <a href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/\">Sandoval &amp; James<\/a>, we care about people, not property damage. Even if you have been rejected by another firm, we may still be able to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter where a person comes from or what their current situation is, they\u2019re part of the Sandoval &amp; James family. <a href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/\">Protect yourself and your family today<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Traffic fatality or injury statistics can be difficult to comprehend emotionally. Each number represents a life lost or a family in pain. Every death is someone\u2019s loved one, and most of these injuries and fatalities are preventable. Vision Zero is an Austin community initiative to reduce crashes to zero through street improvements, policy changes, and &#8230; <a title=\"Technology That\u2019s Improving Public Safety in Austin, Texas\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/technology-thats-improving-public-safety-in-austin-texas\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Technology That\u2019s Improving Public Safety in Austin, Texas\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32462,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32457"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32457"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32457\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34287,"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32457\/revisions\/34287"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32462"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32457"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32457"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sj-lawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}