Jump directly to the content
SAFETY BOOST

Volkswagen’s sensor tech will give drivers traffic light info and even warn of cyclists in the area

New technology being developed by Volkswagen and Siemens could help improve traffic flow and safety for road users

CROSSROADS could be made safer by technology connecting vehicles and traffic infrastructure.

Volkswagen and Siemens are working together to develop the tech, which hopes to improve traffic flow and safety for all road users.

 Sensors will detect cyclists and pedestrians to inform drivers
2
Sensors will detect cyclists and pedestrians to inform driversCredit: Volkswagen AG

As part of the Car2X WLANp system, drivers will be informed of traffic light sequences via a forward-facing display as they approach a junction.

The idea behind this is to help improve traffic flow by preventing unnecessary braking or accelerating around the lights.

By improving traffic flow, it's also thought drivers will be less likely to make irrational decisions at junctions, hopefully reducing the number of accidents.

The system will also use sensors to inform the driver of cyclists and pedestrians around the crossroads.

 The system could help improve traffic flow through crossroads
2
The system could help improve traffic flow through crossroadsCredit: Alamy

According to Volkswagen, the Car2X technology WLANp will be implemented in their vehicles from next year.

The automaker is currently running a trial of the system on a main road in the German city of Wolfsburg, with 10 traffic signal units transmitting information to cars.

Manfred Fuhg, Head of Siemens Mobility Germany, said: “Crossroads equipped with radar sensor technology are able to significantly increase accuracy in the detection of pedestrians and cyclists.

"Information that vehicles are not able to detect themselves is provided at complex intersections and accident black spots in particular.

“Based on systems with artificial intelligence in traffic signal systems, intelligent control methods can provide vehicles with much more precise information on red and green phases than was previously possible."

Earlier this year, new tech was revealed which could make roads safer for pedestrians. 

LED lights and cameras installed on zebra crossings were used to create the "Line of Sight" technology.