Improving road safety is an important task for many municipalities. Despite great progress in traffic and infrastructure planning, there are still considerable dangers – especially for pedestrians and cyclists. In order to meet these challenges proactively, we are working together with mobaix GmbH as an initiative for safe roads. In this spin-off of scientists from RWTH Aachen University, experts in traffic engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and traffic psychology are working with us on a data- and AI-supported solution approach. This helps local authorities to detect and prioritize danger spots at an early stage, investigate causes in a targeted manner, derive suitable measures and check their effectiveness. The engineers at Mobaix GmbH are also happy to support the entire process, including the presentation of options and solutions in relevant committees or public events.
Recognize dangers before they become a problem
Via our MUSIC data cloud and our SMART portal, we provide the basis for the early detection of danger spots. To do this, we intelligently link police accident statistics, information from road users via the gefahrenstellen.de portal and vehicle data such as abrupt braking or sudden swerving. The hazard score we develop from this is incorporated into a digital road safety map that depicts the entire municipal road network. This analysis, which includes proactive indicators, provides local authorities with a well-founded picture of the road safety situation on their road network and helps to identify relevant areas that should be looked at more closely.
Optical sensors for smart detection
mobaix then takes over the detailed on-site analysis of the danger spots identified by us by using thermographic cameras to record the movements of all road users – from pedestrians and cyclists to trucks – throughout the road space. The automated analysis of these movement patterns recorded by AI-based detection units and their interactions makes it possible to identify, describe and categorize critical situations.
Based on the recorded hazard situation, the data is linked to traffic-related key figures and evaluated with regard to the probability of occurrence and severity of the potential risk. By analyzing movement patterns in combination with the existing infrastructural conditions, local authorities receive valuable information on planning and traffic-related weak points in the road network – a sound basis for targeted improvements.
Specific recommendations for measures
Based on the knowledge gained, mobaix uses its interdisciplinary expertise to develop tailor-made measures to reduce traffic risks together with local authorities. Both technical and psychological factors of the traffic situation are taken into account. The aim is to prevent misconduct at an early stage – through the targeted provision, comprehensible communication and clear interpretation of safety-relevant information. The range of measures extends from tried-and-tested traditional approaches to innovative solutions using modern detection and sensor technologies.
Measuring and proving effectiveness
The implementation of the measures developed is monitored and continuously reviewed by the Initiative for Safe Roads and mobaix. After implementation, a subsequent evaluation is carried out, which includes both subjective assessments by road users and objective data from AI-supported analysis systems. As part of a before-and-after evaluation, safety-relevant driving maneuvers such as heavy braking or abrupt steering as well as floating car data on traffic volumes and speeds are comprehensively analyzed. This allows the effect of the measures to be evaluated promptly and, if necessary, optimized in a targeted manner.
Conclusion: Ideal supplement
The combined approach of data and AI-driven recording and analysis provides municipalities with reliable findings that lead to specific recommendations for action and holistically improve road safety. An effective way to support cities in their road safety work and also provide concrete relief.