Candiac, Quebec, Canada now boasts the first “smart” crosswalk in North America with lights embedded into the road surface, to improve pedestrian safety. Before pedestrians enter the crosswalk, sensors are triggered that turn on the lights to increase visibility for drivers to stop. The Candiac crosswalk is outside an elementary school to increase the safety of students, crossing guards, teachers, and parents.
The lighting system is produced by a French company named Flowell, that claims safety is improved by 30%, although the claim is not defined. The lights are visible during the day, night, and during rain. Because the lights are embedded into the road surface, snow plows can operate as usual, to clear the lights and roadway of snow.
The city is planning its second smart, illuminated crosswalk. More information on the Candiac installation can be found here. More information on Flowell, the manufacturer, can be found here.
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