Bridge and tunnel collisions happen at all too frequent of a rate. On average, 15,000 bridge and tunnel collisions occur in the United States annually. The average cost for repair is estimated at around $18,000 per accident, totaling some $270 million annually in damages caused by this type of accident. Additionally, it is estimated 2-3% of the world’s bridges are damaged every year. Technology can help, which would ultimately save lives, prevent infrastructure damage, and improve traffic congestion.
As one example, Innoviz Technologies has developed the Innoviz Bridge Collision Detection solution, which uses data gathered from LiDAR sensors from both sides of a highway several kilometers ahead of an entrance to a bridge or tunnel. The system establishes a safe operating zone and identifies vehicles with heights or widths exceeding predefined ranges determined by the road operator.
Here is how this can help:
- Trigger a camera to identify and share license plate information with local authorities, who can intervene and stop the vehicle to prevent potential collisions.
- Reduce false alarms from camera-based software systems currently on the market that create 3D maps of the world based on 2D images.
- Reduce road accidents at tunnels and bridges.
The company recently announced a partnership with Drive Group, which is a toll road operator. After a successful first trial, an agreement was signed, and the companies will deploy the technology on highways, tunnels, and bridges across Israel. As intelligent transportation systems continue to advance in the future, we will see more solutions to help with safe driving.