‘Smart’ crosswalks protect pedestrians

Technology is getting smarter all the time. Even crosswalks are getting so smart they can communicate with motorists to warn them of pedestrians in their path. The city’s vendors are installing pedestrian crosswalk warning systems on Rosewood Avenue at Angelina and Navasota streets. “When the crosswalk’s push-button is activated, the system will send communications to drivers in connected vehicles, or vehicles capable of connecting to wireless networks, that pedestrians are present and crossing the street in their intended path. Connected vehicles have the ability to use this wireless technology to communicate with infrastructure and other vehicles, and their features include displaying safety messages to drivers.” Those not lucky enough to drive connected vehicles will still receive warnings in the form of “highly visible, rectangular rapid flashing beacons on both sides of the road.” If the pilot is successful, the Transportation Department may proceed to retrofit more areas of the city with the new technology.