Our road networks and the greater transport industry have much to gain by adopting new technologies. Whether they’re applied inside or outside a vehicle, innovative solutions are making road transport more efficient and changing how we use roads.
A prominent example of this is the growing application of autonomous vehicles, with the city of Dubai collecting data and testing vehicles as part of promoting its smart mobility sector.[1]
A key part of this digital transformation is how we use technology to improve road safety and the infrastructure that’s essential for the transport and logistics industries. Road safety is critical to any region, and in the UAE, conversations have centred around lowering speed limits on certain roads and officials calling for raised awareness in the face of difficult driving conditions.[2],[3]
This is where real-time monitoring can help. Real-time monitoring provides information about when and where vehicles are as well as details of what they are carrying. This information can be used to respond in real time to a range of situations. But simply sticking a camera to the dashboard of your vehicle isn’t enough anymore. Enterprises are encouraged to invest in innovative monitoring solutions that prioritise the safety of their vehicles, occupants, and cargo.
A shining light in the distance
Continued investments in transport infrastructure mean that the UAE has one of the most modern transport systems in the world.[4] Encompassing various modes of travel such as trams, buses, taxis, and private vehicles, this critical ecosystem is made up of multiple moving parts all working together to support economic growth and development. Meanwhile, roads are constructed and maintained according to international standards and the country’s environmental conditions, all in the name of efficiency and connectivity.[5]
Safety is also a guiding concern. With initiatives such as the Integrated Transport Center’s (ITC) Vision Zero project, authorities are on a mission to create safe roads through their infrastructure, enhance road users’ responsibility and vehicle safety specifications, and develop a response system for road accidents.[6] Technology will play a fundamental role in achieving goals such as these, and so we must consider what specific functions technology can fulfil.
Having eyes on the road and vehicle
Improving vehicle and overall road safety begins with having a direct and clear line of sight of the vehicle in question. Onboard cameras are built and designed to take up as little space as possible.[1] Their robust construction protects them from vibrations when the vehicle travels over rough terrain. Innovations in camera lens technology and image-processing algorithms also mean cameras can adapt to challenging lighting conditions – even letting operators distinguish between signal light colours – and identify specific objects of interest regardless of those conditions. Combined with high levels of manoeuvrability, today’s cameras are built to be as versatile as possible and suitable for any vehicle, including buses and trucks.
Transport transformed
New developments in IoT and network technology mean operators have more reliable visibility over their vehicles. Gone are the days of passive surveillance and onboard recording via hard disks. Instead, we can use real-time, GPS-enabled viewing equipped with edge-based video and audio analytics. By monitoring vehicles and occupants as they travel, operators can ensure drivers adhere to directives, as well as react to unforeseen and emergency situations more quickly and efficiently.
The footage is available at operators’ fingertips thanks to cloud-based transmission and storage. It can be easily accessed for investigation and insurance purposes.
Advanced analytics can help operators extract and accumulate data about their vehicles and how they move. For example, they can monitor passenger numbers and commuting trends on public transport. They can then use this to optimise schedules and staff deployments, ensuring they provide an efficient and safe experience for large populations. Meanwhile, businesses can use data to keep track of a vehicle’s speeds and surrounding traffic conditions, thus letting them determine new routes and schedules that best fit their activities and operational requirements.
Embracing technology does not mean the solutions we deploy have to be complicated or overthought. Real-time monitoring may not be a new concept, but it is one that’s ready for new ideas and empowers people to make better and more informed decisions. By upgrading and optimising our monitoring and surveillance capabilities with an eye towards data, enterprises in the UAE and the surrounding region can set new safety standards, save lives and protect assets and infrastructure.
[1] https://www.axis.com/blog/secure-insights/mobile-cameras/
[1] Roads and Transport Authority – News Details
[2] How will Abu Dhabi’s 120kph minimum speed limit plan affect road safety? (thenationalnews.com)
[3] Abu Dhabi Police: “Safe driving” during rainfall enhances road safety – News – Emirates – Emirates24|7 (emirates247.com)
[4] WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf (weforum.org)
[5] Roadways – The Official Portal of the UAE Government
[6] Vision Zero: How Abu Dhabi plans to cut road deaths to zero (whatson.ae)
[7] https://www.axis.com/blog/secure-insights/mobile-cameras/
