Crosswalk signals do n’t take into account how quickly different kinds of pedestrians can walk across the street . But maybe they should . A Modern app currently being tested in the Netherlands give up aged people to hold traffic for longer , give up them more time to cross the street , harmonise toThe Guardian .
The Crosswalk app , made by the Dutch Department of Transportation engineering science companyDynniq , alerts dealings signal that someone with mobility issues is waiting . Using GPS and the software system that runs the traffic signals , the technology help dealings signal observe if someone using the app is standing on the corner . If so , the dealings signal ’s timing will adjust accordingly .
The app has four options so that masses can adjust how much supererogatory time they ’re move over , based on their single needs . That way , someone who only needs a few additional seconds does n’t forget traffic waiting forever while they ’re already on the sidewalk .
The issue with create a fluid app for old the great unwashed , though , is that many of them might not be comfortable with smartphones . After advertising in the local composition and maintain informational confluence , Dynniq was only able to levy 10 people to test the app .
Still , there are other possible diligence for signal - switch technology . It could be used more broadly for people with disablement or to increase safety gadget during situations like when groups of schoolchildren need to sweep the street . It could also be expanded to traffic itself , to create lights that are better timed for bike ( so that cyclists do n’t have to set off and hold back every block ) or to create gullible lights for emergency service vehicles .
Right now , the app is being try out in Tilburg , a metropolis of about 210,000 people , but it ’s only in exercise in some areas of town . The current tryout will run into the fall . If it prove successful , the city will equip more traffic signal with Crosswalk in the futurity .
[ h / tThe Guardian ]
