A safe bet: what is connected safety?

Imagine a world where cars can talk to each other, roads can warn drivers of hazards ahead and cities are designed to keep everyone safer.

This is the promise of connected safety, an innovative approach to transportation that uses smart technology to link vehicles, infrastructure and people.

By creating this network, connected safety helps prevent accidents, reduce risks and make travel safer.

This month, we're exploring what connected safety means, how it works and why location technology is so important for its development.

Building blocks of safety

Connected safety brings location technology and networks together to create a smarter and safer transportation system by ensuring that vehicles, infrastructure and people are constantly communicating.

By sharing real-time information, such as road conditions, traffic updates or potential hazards, this system helps everyone on the road make better decisions.

Think of it as vehicles that can read traffic lights to optimize flow, vehicles that automatically share hazard alerts with nearby drivers or smart traffic lights that adjust in real-time to improve emergency response times.

This is most visible on the road, where vehicles use sensors, cameras and location technology to share information with each other and their surroundings.

This means drivers can be warned early when there is ice on the road, an accident or even a traffic jam ahead, helping avoid crashes and delays. And the more information vehicles and people have about their routes and conditions, the safer they can be.

No talking to the driver

Beyond safety, connected systems open the door to more sustainable and efficient urban mobility and commutes.

Because it's not just about vehicles talking to each other; it’s about creating a smarter, more efficient transportation network.

Smart traffic lights, for instance, can adjust their timing based on the number of cars on the road, minimizing idle time. Public transportation can also benefit from this level of connectedness, with buses and trains getting priority at intersections to stay on schedule.

By integrating real-time data from vehicles, infrastructure and traffic systems, cities can optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion and lower emissions.

This way, connected safety supports more sustainable mobility.

Improving traffic efficiency reduces fuel consumption and emissions generated by vehicles idling in traffic. A smoother traffic flow encourages eco-friendly public transportation systems while paving the way for electric vehicles and other sustainable solutions into the transportation ecosystem.

Locating what matters

Location technology is at the heart of connected safety, providing accurate maps and real-time updates to prompt timely warnings and safer trips.

When there is a change on the road, location tech ensures that every connected vehicle knows about it right away. This level of connectivity between vehicles and infrastructure not only improves safety but also creates a more efficient and seamless driving experience.

It essentially makes it possible for cars to always know where they are, the speed at which they travel and share their route with other members of traffic.

Additionally, real-time traffic data can generate precise and dynamic routing suggestions, helping drivers avoid congested areas and arrive at their destination faster.

Solutions such as HERE HD Live Map provide cars with up-to-date details on road layouts, traffic signs and even road works.

Advanced sensors in cars can detect potential hazards on the road, such as pedestrians or cyclists and alert both the driver and nearby vehicles. This type of V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication helps prevent accidents by providing all parties with vital information in real-time.

Going above and beyond

The benefits of connected safety go beyond cars. It helps bike riders, public transport users and even people walking to work or school.

City planners use the data from connected networks to make better roads, design safer crossings and set traffic light patterns.

When buses and trains are also connected, whole cities become easier and safer to move around. The more connected systems are, the easier it becomes to spot issues before they happen and fix problems with less risk.

Maintaining momentum

Connected safety has a big future. As more vehicles and cities get linked using these smart networks, the number of accidents and injuries is expected to fall.

With real-time updates, smarter routing and better warnings, travel will get smoother and safer. By trusting and using connected safety, everyone from drivers to city planners can help build a safer world for all.