Gewalt Hamilton Associates’ (GHA) Data Collection Division recently partnered with the Illinois Region 1 Planning Council (R1) and Advanced Mobility Analytics Group (AMAG) on an innovative project aimed at enhancing roadway safety in the Rockford metropolitan area. Utilizing AI-powered video analytics technology, the Video Analytics Traffic Movement Safety Review focused on monitoring traffic at key intersections. The goal was to record data on potential hazards—such as near-miss accidents, speeding violations, and red-light running incidents—to develop safety recommendations that help prevent future collisions.
Project Scope and Approach
High-definition cameras were strategically placed at 30 key intersections across the region, recording traffic activity over seven consecutive days. This week-long monitoring period provided extensive data for a comprehensive safety assessment. The high-quality footage collected by GHA allowed for the precise identification of factors contributing to incidents and supported the development of actionable mitigation strategies.
Jarett Giesey, Data Collection Project Manager, emphasized, “By using the best technology available, we ensure that every detail is captured, allowing for more precise safety recommendations.” This precision allows stakeholders to take proactive steps, addressing potential hazards before they result in accidents.
Importance of Proactive Safety Measures
The data collected not only highlights current issues but also supports a proactive approach to traffic safety. Traditionally, traffic safety reviews address issues after collisions have occurred. This project shifts the focus toward proactive safety planning by identifying risks before accidents happen, allowing for early intervention and enabling safety measures to be implemented ahead of time, reducing the potential for future incidents.
Greg Newton, GISP, Director of Traffic Data Collection elaborated on the benefits of early intervention: “We all know that intersection in our neighborhood where near-misses happen daily. This project helps us tackle those concerns before they escalate.”
The long-term implications of this project are clear: if cities can adopt this approach more widely, the potential for reducing accidents on roadways increases significantly. Zach Hubb, Data Collection Team Lead Supervisor, reflected on the project’s forward-thinking nature: “This project shows how AI-powered video analytics can provide the detailed insights needed to make targeted safety improvements that keep roads safer in the long term.”
An example of a potential hazard, a near-miss accident, identified in the study.
Data Collection Excellence
The project’s success relied on GHA’s seamless execution of the data collection process. The team ensured that all equipment functioned reliably from setup to completion, maintaining consistent data capture throughout the monitoring period. This reliability ensured stakeholders had the information they needed to make data-driven decisions about roadway safety, enabling quick and impactful safety interventions.
The ability to efficiently record and organize such large volumes of video data allows for quick turnaround times. This ensures that municipalities and decision-makers receive the information they need to respond to traffic safety concerns promptly. As Jarett noted, “We take pride in delivering high-quality data that allows for quick and impactful safety decisions.”
Challenges and Solutions in the Field
Setting up and monitoring intersections continuously for an entire week presented significant technical and logistical challenges. Maintaining consistent, uninterrupted data collection over seven days required careful coordination and precise equipment alignment to capture every important detail. Despite these complexities, GHA’s team ensured the process ran smoothly.
“Our preparation and focus on the details kept things running smoothly,” said AJ Mansfield, Data Technician. “There were definitely some logistical challenges, but we stayed on track and made sure the data collection went off without any issues.” GHA’s ability to adapt and solve problems quickly allowed the project to be completed without delays.
Future of Traffic Data Collection
The Video Analytics Traffic Movement Safety Review represents a significant advancement in traffic safety, demonstrating both the current capabilities and future potential of data-driven traffic measures. By integrating advanced video analytics technology with a proactive approach, GHA has not only improved roadway safety in the Rockford area but also set a new standard for future projects. The success of the Region 1 project points to broader applications, offering cities the ability to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and make data-backed decisions for infrastructure investments.
“This project is just the beginning,” Jarett shared. “It’s an example of how advancements in data collection and AI-powered analytics are evolving, providing cities with the tools to make informed decisions before accidents happen.” As video analytics becomes more integrated into traffic management systems, communities will be better equipped to anticipate problem areas and implement changes in infrastructure, traffic control measures, and public education, ensuring safer roadways for the future.
Have Questions?
Jarett Giesey
Data Collection Project Manager
jgiesey@GHA-Engineers.com
