Introduction
As of 2023, the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities has become a pressing concern, particularly in Idaho. The state has witnessed its deadliest year for traffic-related incidents in two decades, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. Idaho’s traffic fatalities surged to an estimated 277 in 2023, marking a staggering 28.84% increase from the previous year’s 217 fatalities. Among these, 20 were motorcyclists, 31 were pedestrians, and 7 were cyclists—nearly doubling the 2022 figures of 29, 16, and 4 respectively. The Treasure Valley, our operational hub, has been particularly affected by this troubling trend.
Identifying the Root Causes
At PedSafety, our unwavering commitment to pedestrian safety has driven us to develop the TLPI® (Turn Lane Pedestrian Indicator), an innovative solution to help address this critical issue. Comprehensive studies have identified the top 10 contributing factors to traffic fatalities in 2023:
- Failure to maintain lane
- Speeding
- Alcohol/Drug impairment
- Failure to yield
- Inattention
- Driving left of the centerline
- Disregarding stop signs or signals
- Overcorrecting
- Distracted driving
- Improper overtaking
Our analysis suggests that failure to yield, distraction, and inattention are particularly significant contributors to pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
A Paradigm Shift in Pedestrian Safety
TLPI® works differently than many of our other products by focusing on alerting drivers rather than providing crossing indications and information to pedestrians. This innovative system consists of an LED sign strategically mounted on the traffic light pole, right next to the stop light. The sign activates and flashes when a pedestrian or cyclist begins crossing the road in the path of a turning vehicle.
By positioning the flashing sign in close proximity to the traffic light, we capitalize on drivers’ natural focus points, ensuring maximum visibility. TLPI® is designed to capture drivers’ attention at the critical moment when pedestrians are most vulnerable, effectively preventing potential collisions.
The system’s activation mechanism, which triggers the LED lights only when a crossing is initiated, significantly enhances its effectiveness. This selective illumination prevents desensitization that could occur with constant flashing, ensuring that each activation serves as a powerful alert to drivers.
Through this innovative approach, TLPI® aims to dramatically reduce unnecessary fatalities and injuries, creating safer urban environments for all road users.
Optimal Applications for TLPI®
TLPI® is specifically designed to address high-risk scenarios at intersections where pedestrian-vehicle collisions are most likely to occur. Our research has identified several critical situations where TLPI® can significantly enhance safety:
- Legal right turns on red lights
- Right turns on green lights
- Left turns on green lights without protected turn arrows
- Left turns on flashing yellow arrows
- Left turns onto one-way streets on red lights
- Low visibility conditions during nighttime or inclement weather
By targeting these specific scenarios, TLPI® addresses the most common and dangerous situations for pedestrian-vehicle interactions.
Boise Test Sites
To demonstrate the effectiveness of TLPI®, we strategically implemented two pilot installations in Boise, Idaho. These locations were carefully selected to represent diverse traffic patterns and pedestrian activity levels:
- Idaho St. and 12th St. Intersection: This site features a three-lane, one-way road intersecting with a two-lane, bidirectional street, presenting a complex traffic flow scenario.
- 11th St. and State St. Intersection: This bustling pedestrian hub is surrounded by high-traffic destinations:
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- East corner: Downtown Boise YMCA
- North corner: Subway restaurant
- South corner: YMCA overflow parking
- West corner: Taekwondo training center
The results have been remarkable. In the eight months following TLPI® installation, pedestrian-vehicle collisions at these intersections have dropped to zero, underscoring the system’s potential to dramatically improve urban safety.
TLPI® and Connected Vehicle Technology
As we look to the future, TLPI® is poised to evolve alongside advancements in automotive technology. Our roadmap includes:
- Integration with Connected Vehicles: Future TLPI® installations will communicate directly with smart vehicles, providing real-time alerts about pedestrian presence in and around crosswalks.
- Advanced Warning Systems: By leveraging vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, TLPI® will offer drivers early notifications of potential pedestrian interactions, further enhancing reaction times and safety.
- Adaptive Lighting Technologies: We are exploring the incorporation of specialized lighting systems that can adjust based on environmental conditions and traffic patterns, ensuring optimal visibility in all scenarios.
These forward-thinking enhancements will position TLPI® at the forefront of pedestrian safety technology, creating smarter, safer urban environments for years to come.
Conclusion
The rising pedestrian fatalities, especially in areas like Idaho’s Treasure Valley, underscore the urgent need for innovative safety solutions. PedSafety’s TLPI® (Turn Lane Pedestrian Indicator) addresses this critical issue by targeting one of the most common scenarios for pedestrian accidents: turns at intersections.
By alerting drivers to the presence of pedestrians and cyclists in their turning path, TLPI® directly tackles the problems of failing to yield, distraction, and inattention – key factors contributing to pedestrian accidents. The strategic placement and activation of the LED signs ensure maximum visibility and effectiveness.
For those interested in learning more about the technical specifications and research behind TLPI®, we encourage you to review our comprehensive TLPI® white paper. Together, we can work towards a future where pedestrian fatalities are a thing of the past.