Boston Smart Streets — Using Technology to Improve Roadway Safety

Boston erected America’s first lighthouse in 1716 to safely guide sailors along our shores. Nearly two centuries later, Boston built the first subway in the United States. Today, Boston continues to be first in transportation innovations through our Boston Smart Streets program, which incorporates the newest technology to make our streets safe. Feinberg & Alban PC also has a long history grounded in outside-the-box thinking. We have helped auto accident victims for more than 70 years by employing the most advanced investigative tools and strategies available. We also work on programs to prevent future accidents to create a safer Boston for everyone.

What is Boston Smart Streets?

Smart Streets uses technological innovations to make Boston’s streets safer. Using such technology as sensors and cameras, the city learns about how drivers, pedestrians and cyclists navigate the roads and interact with the streetscape and each other. Smart Streets is part of the global Vision Zero initiative, which strives to eliminate serious accidents. Boston is proud to be a leader in accomplishing this goal, and our firm is proud to support those efforts.

Massachusetts Avenue and Beacon Street is a Smart Streets pilot project

An exciting Vision Zero pilot program has been implemented at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Beacon Street. Data being collected at this intersection includes:

• Movement of cars and bikes when the traffic signal is red, yellow or green
• The length of time automobiles remain in the intersection
• Pedestrians’ adherence to “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” crossing signals
• Whether pedestrians use the crosswalks and where
• Whether drivers and cyclists yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalks
• Whether bicyclists use the bike lanes
• What types of occurrences prompt cyclists to ride outside the designated lanes

Vision Zero emphasizes that the data will not be used to issue traffic tickets. Instead, this information helps shape comprehensive recommendations for traffic safety. Our lawyers use these types of factors in our investigations and case strategies.

Other technologies being tested will improve traffic safety

Boston is well known for our progressive approach to problems. The Smart Streets program applies this forward thinking to improving traffic flow, parking and general safety on Boston’s streets, including:

• Autonomous vehicles — The World Economic Forum selected Boston as the site of its self-driving cars initiative to test and develop the future in travel.
• Smart parking sensors — Boston has implemented Performance Parking in a pilot program at the Seaport, which creates a flexible meter to monitor and adjust parking prices for optimum capacity.

Our attorneys believe that using technology can drastically improve traffic safety. These types of technological tools support our dual goals of preventing Boston auto accidents and helping victims of accidents recover.

Learn how advanced technology can improve traffic safety in Boston

Traffic safety is a priority at Feinberg & Alban PC We do all we can to improve Boston streets and help you recover damages if you were injured in a car crash. Call Feinberg & Alban PC at 617-232-5950 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.