A new report from the Florida Policy Project highlights the urgent statewide need for better synchronization and digitalization of traffic signals to improve traffic flow and improve security.

The report, “Best Practices: Flagged Intersection Investments”, shows how current traffic management systems have become inadequate and often lead to traffic jams, inefficiencies and, worst of all, safety problems.

In addition to exposing the problem, the report also includes a series of short, medium and long-term strategies aimed at improving systems, increasing efficiency and saving lives, including reducing the rate of fatal incidents. to pedestrians in Florida.

The University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) conducted the study through a grant from the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) in collaboration with the Florida Policy Project.

“This report is a call to action,” the former senator said. Jeff Brandespresident of the Florida Policy Project. “To ensure the safety of all road users and accommodate future growth, we must prioritize strategic investments that address these long-standing challenges at Florida’s intersections. »

The study found that signalized intersections statewide account for more than 26 percent of all crashes, with vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk. Intersections involving vulnerable road users have a greater than 83% chance of causing injury or death. The report further reveals that between 2019 and 2023, road accidents related to vulnerable road users increased at an annual rate of more than 7%, indicating that more people are dying and being injured each year.

“Digitalization of infrastructure and investment in advanced technologies supported by open data initiatives are essential steps toward safer and more efficient signalized intersections in Florida,” CUTR Associate Director Lisa Staes said. “This report presents a strategic roadmap for targeted investments to modernize signalized intersections and advance Vision Zero. »

This roadmap includes near-term recommendations, including digitizing existing infrastructure for consistent collection of data that can inform policy, and promoting collaborative partnerships and workforce development to optimize resources and accelerate the deployment of new technologies.

Next, the report recommends developing uniform statewide procedures for maintenance and upgrades, as well as promoting open data initiatives for intersection management that promote innovation and transparency .

Longer term, the report suggests investing in design elements that can withstand an uncertain future to ensure adaptability to changing technology and set performance-driven investment goals.

“Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and vehicle-to-everything (V2X), are essential to improving the safety and efficiency of intersections. While there may still be challenges with latency and data security, these technologies are advancing rapidly, paving the way for smarter traffic management systems,” said THEA CEO. Greg Slater said.

The report analyzed nearly 17,000 signalized intersections across Florida, revealing that Florida intersections exceed the national average for rush hour delays, resulting in more than 1,300 pounds of CO2 emissions per day per intersection .

“This report highlights the urgent need for policy that prioritizes smarter, safer intersections. Investing in modernized infrastructure is essential to improving safety and efficiency on Florida’s roadways,” former Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation and President of the Florida Transportation Builders Association. Ananth Prasad said.

The nonpartisan, research-driven organization… spear by Brandes with former Senate President Bill Galvano to lead the board – aims to educate the public and Florida legislators on his ideas, based on data-driven research in search of transformative ideas. To date, the organization has provided roadmaps on a variety of issues including Florida’s insurance climate, affordable housing, veteran incarceration, criminal justice reform, and more.

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