URI and Nestor to Analyze Rhode Island's Red Light Running Problem
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--May 7, 2001--Program Initiated by RI Department of Transportation, Governor's Office of Highway Safety and Grant from Amica Mutual Insurance Company
Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc. (NTS) today announced that the Company will team with the University of Rhode Island Transportation Center (URITC) to study red light running in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has awarded a contract to URI to research and document the magnitude of the red light running problem throughout the State. NTS will provide its video-based CrossingGuardVIP(TM) program to collect violation data that URI will analyze to identify the rate and frequency of red light violations. Information gained will help RIDOT understand the scope of the problem and determine what needs to be done to improve intersection safety.
The study was sparked by a report recently published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that documented the increasing number of red light violations nationwide. RIDOT and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety chose to conduct this study in order to determine the extent of red light running violations occurring at intersections in RI. In support, Amica Mutual Insurance Company has generously contributed $100,000 to support this study.
"We are pleased to support such a worthwhile program," said John Connors, Amica's senior vice president. "By calling attention to reckless driving behavior at intersections, including running red and yellow lights, we will certainly make progress in the important area of driving safety. Hopefully, the results of the study will serve as a wake-up call to the driving public."
URI will provide the State with a complete service program built around NTS' video-based traffic monitoring system that will record activity at each intersection. Services include equipment installation, field support, data collection, analysis and comprehensive statistical reporting of violation activity. The study will begin in May and conclude with a final report to RIDOT by the end of October.
"Red light running is a very dangerous driving behavior - often resulting in devastating consequences," said William D. Ankner, Ph.D., RIDOT's director. "Red lights are no longer functioning as a stop to traffic. Because of this, we believe that a study such as this one will be an effective way to examine what the problem is here in Rhode Island."
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety research reports that more than 800 people die and an estimated 200,000- plus are injured each year in crashes that involve red light running. More than half of those killed were pedestrians and occupants in other vehicles who were hit by red light runners. Nationwide, fatal crashes at traffic signals increased 18 percent during 1992-98, more than three times the rate of increase for all other fatal crashes. Institute research has found that automated enforcement programs have proven to reduce red light running by about 40 percent.
"Our partnership with Nestor presents a significant opportunity for the Transportation Center. Our students will be working with a practical application of advanced technology to study a recognized traffic problem," said Richard J. Horn, URITC's executive director. "We're also optimistic about seeing our efforts translate into statewide traffic safety improvement initiatives."
Nestor's CrossingGuardVIP is composed of video cameras, recorders, communications equipment and specialized encoding/decoding software that supports traffic data extraction and review. Cameras are positioned above intersections to capture an overview of all lanes of traffic, at a height that eliminates the possibility of capturing driver or license plate images. The system monitors and records traffic movement and signal phase information for all lanes. The times of day and duration of data collection can be programmed to accommodate the requirements or recommendations of the city or town. The recordings are routed through decoding software that will overlay a visual depiction of the traffic signal status to facilitate manual review of traffic footage to identify red light violations. All violations are tabulated by date, time and location. Video collected throughout the project is available to authenticate results and serves as dramatic testimony to the frequency and magnitude of a community's red light running problem.
About Nestor Traffic Systems
Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc., an affiliate of Nestor, Inc. (OTC: NEST) and headquartered in Providence, RI, is an emerging leader in providing innovative, video-based monitoring systems and services for traffic management and safety. Its products incorporate advanced video processing technology into intelligent, real-time solutions that promote traffic efficiency, intersection safety, and railway grade crossing monitoring. All products are sold direct and by selected partners worldwide. For more information, call 401-331-9640 or visit www.nestor.com/nts.
About The URI Transportation Center
The University of Rhode Island Transportation Center (URITC) focuses on the advancement of US technology and expertise in the many disciplines composing transportation through the mechanisms of education, research and technology transfer at a university-based center of excellence. With the approval of the Center's six-year Strategic Plan by USDOT (RSPA) on August 31, 1999, and the authorization of the first year grant funds of $1.86-million, the URITC became fully operational. Within the focus of the URITC theme will be the development and enhancement of multidisciplinary transportation education, research, and technology transfer/outreach at the state, regional and national levels. Included is planning, engineering and operation of transportation systems.
CrossingGuard is a registered trademark and CrossingGuardVIP is a trademark of Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.