Two new COPS@zebra LITE smart traffic systems have begun operating in the municipalities of Vuzenica and Muta. They will help improve safety in two areas where traffic can present danger to pedestrians, particularly children on their way to and from school. One is located along the local road between Vuzenica and Sveti Primož, at the pedestrian crossing close to Pohorska cesta, while the other can be found at the pedestrian crossing in the centre of the village of Gortina. The systems, which have been installed with the help of Zavarovalnica Triglav, warn drivers in real time that they are approaching pedestrian crossings, and encourage them to reduce their speed in those areas with a higher risk of road accidents.
For a number of years, Slovenia’s biggest insurer has been engaged in a range of activities to improve road safety and protect the most vulnerable road users. These include the smart COPS systems that warn drivers of hazards as they approach critical points, and help to reduce speed and increase driver awareness. Analyses show that the number of road accidents has fallen by around 80% at those locations at which COPS systems have been set up.
“At Zavarovalnica Triglav, we focus heavily on the safety of the most vulnerable road users, especially children. The locations in Vuzenica and Muta are the two most important school routes, as well as being areas with a higher number of pedestrians. Modern technology can really make a difference in improving road safety there. We are delighted that these two new systems will create a safer traffic environment for the residents of both municipalities, and encourage all road users to behave more responsibly,” said Zavarovalnica Triglav’s northern regional director Uroš Metličar.
Important boost for Vuzenica
In Vuzenica, the system has been set up at the pedestrian crossing on the local road between Vuzenica and Sv. Primož, which is an important route to school for many children. The density of traffic and the fact that the crossing suffers from poor visibility led the local council there to identify the need for additional measures to improve road safety. The new system uses active light signalling to warn drivers of the approaching pedestrian crossing and increase their awareness of the associated hazards.
“Ensuring the safety of children as they travel to and from school is one of the most important tasks of any local community. The new system is an important acquisition for Vuzenica, as it will improve the visibility of the pedestrian crossing in an area that sees a lot of traffic, and warn drivers of the presence of pedestrians. We believe that it will help to improve traffic culture and make for safer daily lives for our residents,” explained Franjo Golob, mayor of Vuzenica.
Greater pedestrian safety in Muta as well
In Muta, the system has been installed in the village of Gortina. The system is designed to improve the visibility of the pedestrian crossing and actively encourage drivers to do their bit to make the roads safer for local residents and other road users.
“Here at the municipality we are constantly striving to improve road safety, particularly in those areas used by children and other vulnerable road users on a daily basis,” explained Muta’s mayor Angelca Mrak. “We are delighted to have collaborated with Zavarovalnica Triglav in acquiring a state-of-the-art system that will increase driver awareness and further improve the safety of pedestrians. Measures such as these improve quality of life significantly, and give people in the local community a greater feeling of safety,” she added.
Slovenian technology for safer roads
The COPS smart systems are the result of Slovenian knowledge and know-how, and are aimed at preventing accidents at the most critical traffic points. They are deployed at pedestrian crossings, junctions and other locations where the risk of road accidents is higher. More than 130 COPS systems are in operation at various critical road safety points around the country.
“The COPS@zebra LITE system has been designed to warn drivers at that moment where they need to be paying the fullest attention. The active light signals make pedestrian crossings more visible and encourage drivers to reduce their speed in good time. We are delighted that Slovenian technology is being put to good use by improving road safety in Vuzenica and Muta, and that it will help create a safer environment for pedestrians and other road users,” said Miha Senčar, Tenzor’s managing director.
DRAJV map offers further assistance
The DRAJV map, a free digital traffic map of Slovenia, has been around for five years, helping local councils identify dangerous sections of road. It gathers together in a single place data about the most dangerous sections, and the most common challenges faced when driving in Slovenia.
– there has been a fall of 80% in the number of road accidents at points at which COPS systems have been installed
– the three systems for warning drivers to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front show that the number of drivers who do not observe a safe distance has fallen by more than half
– according to the available data, 30 km/h zones are where drivers find it hardest to adjust their speed
