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Knowing how to improve road safety could win you business

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report has shown that in the first quarter of 2022, an estimated 9,560 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the US. This is a 7% increase compared to the first quarter of 2021, and represents the highest number of fatalities in Q1 since 2002.

It’s clear that something has to change, and with the recent introduction of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and President Biden’s pledge to improve road safety, there’s never been a better time to reevaluate traffic and transport management. Here, we’ll explain how connected vehicle data is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve road safety, and how it can help agencies capitalize on the opportunities created by the Infrastructure Bill.

Beating the data paradox

One of the biggest challenges to evolving road safety is a lack of understanding of traffic flow and consumer behavior, plus an inability to make informed decisions as a result. But this isn’t down to an absence of data. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Public sector organizations have access to huge amounts of data – what holds them back is their ability to quickly analyze this information, then use it to facilitate effective problem solving.

Thankfully, there is a solution to what’s been dubbed “the data paradox”, and it’s a lot simpler than you might think. Connected vehicle data is information generated and transmitted from connected vehicles – it can be anything from a car’s location and engine status, to the speed it’s traveling at, and even whether or not its doors are locked. What makes connected vehicle data so powerful is that it’s available in real time – giving decision makers a highly accurate representation of consumer behavior, and allowing them to see critical information on issues such as crash locations and regularities.

The impact of connected cars

To give you a clearer picture of the power of connected vehicle data, let’s take a look at how it works in action. When the Texas A&M Transport Institute (TTI) was tasked with improving safety and accessibility to the Permian Basin region in West Texas, they were able to use connected vehicle data to provide data-driven recommendations to TxDOT – such as where to install new driveways, or retrofit existing ones, along the corridors in the Permian Basin region, maximizing accessibility, mobility, and public safety.  

The results generated by the data indicated that crashes in the area could be prevented by better turn lanes. What’s more, the team were able to implement an improved approach to limit hard braking, and ultimately reduce crashes by alerting drivers of what’s ahead. As you can see, connected vehicle data adds a human element to roadway safety information – a crucial component when you consider that human error is one of the main causes of crashes on the roads today.

Another benefit of connected vehicle data is an agency’s ability to determine how the public is using infrastructure. Armed with this information, businesses can identify further opportunities for improvements, and in turn, win more bids.

How you can harness connected vehicle data

Now that you’re aware of everything that connected vehicle data makes possible, you’re probably wondering how to access this data. With the introduction of the Infrastructure Bill, Biden’s government is set to invest more than a trillion dollars of capital into transforming US infrastructure over the next five years. This funding translates into myriad opportunities for state and local governments to access capital for projects powered by connected vehicle data.  

For instance, within the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, $6.42 billion has been allocated to a  Formula Carbon Reduction Program. This is an initiative designed to fund projects such as traffic monitoring, and advanced transportation and congestion management technologies. In addition, the bill’s $250 million Congestion Relief Program will provide generous grants to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations for projects in large municipalities, to accelerate innovative solutions for congestion control.

Ready to transform transportation?

If you’re a developer looking to secure formula funding and competitive grants for upcoming projects, the ability to demonstrate ROI can prove invaluable – and that’s where connected vehicle data can help. By looking at insights into traffic patterns, areas of congestion and hard braking, and vehicle journey patterns, you can present a well-thought-out approach that shows exactly where public tax dollars will be spent, and what can be achieved.

Wejo is a leading provider of global connected vehicle data, committed to creating a safer, more sustainable future via smart mobility solutions. Using new technologies, governments can pursue radical disruption of the global transportation industry, successfully developing urban, data-driven transportation networks that reduce emissions and maximize efficiency.

See how else Wejo is helping to build a safer, smarter community for all, here.
By clicking submit you consent to sharing your data with Wejo for the purposes of contacting you regarding Wejo’s products and services
Privacy policy >
Blog

Knowing how to improve road safety could win you business

November 15, 2022

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report has shown that in the first quarter of 2022, an estimated 9,560 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the US. This is a 7% increase compared to the first quarter of 2021, and represents the highest number of fatalities in Q1 since 2002.

It’s clear that something has to change, and with the recent introduction of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and President Biden’s pledge to improve road safety, there’s never been a better time to reevaluate traffic and transport management. Here, we’ll explain how connected vehicle data is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve road safety, and how it can help agencies capitalize on the opportunities created by the Infrastructure Bill.

Beating the data paradox

One of the biggest challenges to evolving road safety is a lack of understanding of traffic flow and consumer behavior, plus an inability to make informed decisions as a result. But this isn’t down to an absence of data. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Public sector organizations have access to huge amounts of data – what holds them back is their ability to quickly analyze this information, then use it to facilitate effective problem solving.

Thankfully, there is a solution to what’s been dubbed “the data paradox”, and it’s a lot simpler than you might think. Connected vehicle data is information generated and transmitted from connected vehicles – it can be anything from a car’s location and engine status, to the speed it’s traveling at, and even whether or not its doors are locked. What makes connected vehicle data so powerful is that it’s available in real time – giving decision makers a highly accurate representation of consumer behavior, and allowing them to see critical information on issues such as crash locations and regularities.

The impact of connected cars

To give you a clearer picture of the power of connected vehicle data, let’s take a look at how it works in action. When the Texas A&M Transport Institute (TTI) was tasked with improving safety and accessibility to the Permian Basin region in West Texas, they were able to use connected vehicle data to provide data-driven recommendations to TxDOT – such as where to install new driveways, or retrofit existing ones, along the corridors in the Permian Basin region, maximizing accessibility, mobility, and public safety.  

The results generated by the data indicated that crashes in the area could be prevented by better turn lanes. What’s more, the team were able to implement an improved approach to limit hard braking, and ultimately reduce crashes by alerting drivers of what’s ahead. As you can see, connected vehicle data adds a human element to roadway safety information – a crucial component when you consider that human error is one of the main causes of crashes on the roads today.

Another benefit of connected vehicle data is an agency’s ability to determine how the public is using infrastructure. Armed with this information, businesses can identify further opportunities for improvements, and in turn, win more bids.

How you can harness connected vehicle data

Now that you’re aware of everything that connected vehicle data makes possible, you’re probably wondering how to access this data. With the introduction of the Infrastructure Bill, Biden’s government is set to invest more than a trillion dollars of capital into transforming US infrastructure over the next five years. This funding translates into myriad opportunities for state and local governments to access capital for projects powered by connected vehicle data.  

For instance, within the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, $6.42 billion has been allocated to a  Formula Carbon Reduction Program. This is an initiative designed to fund projects such as traffic monitoring, and advanced transportation and congestion management technologies. In addition, the bill’s $250 million Congestion Relief Program will provide generous grants to states, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations for projects in large municipalities, to accelerate innovative solutions for congestion control.

Ready to transform transportation?

If you’re a developer looking to secure formula funding and competitive grants for upcoming projects, the ability to demonstrate ROI can prove invaluable – and that’s where connected vehicle data can help. By looking at insights into traffic patterns, areas of congestion and hard braking, and vehicle journey patterns, you can present a well-thought-out approach that shows exactly where public tax dollars will be spent, and what can be achieved.

Wejo is a leading provider of global connected vehicle data, committed to creating a safer, more sustainable future via smart mobility solutions. Using new technologies, governments can pursue radical disruption of the global transportation industry, successfully developing urban, data-driven transportation networks that reduce emissions and maximize efficiency.

See how else Wejo is helping to build a safer, smarter community for all, here.
By clicking submit you consent to sharing your data with Wejo for the purposes of contacting you regarding Wejo’s products and services
Privacy policy >
Using Connected Vehicle Data to Unlock Future Funding
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