Latin America. The role of technology in society has revolutionized all areas within the structures of the social system, with the adoption of existing mechanisms to ensure security within smart cities. The field of road safety is no exception, because thanks to the information that can be collected through various video surveillance devices, the response capacity of the authorities is faster and more accurate.
Although the gaze has turned to this growing market of road safety, technologies within the field have not been fully constituted, because according to the estimates made by the Economic Commission for America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), road safety has become a critical problem, since the indices indicate that in the countries of America and the Caribbean, between 2000 and 2020, the number of traffic victims grew by 48%, so governments need to take action measures to reduce this scenario.
In order to create actions according to the growing problem represented by road safety in Latin America, it is necessary to have data on the types of incidents that occur as a result of the lack of video surveillance solutions that help reduce them, and that allow the creation of long-term road safety policies.
For example, as a first link in the safety chain, intelligent traffic management is an ideal strategy, as it allows to obtain the visualization of the entire road network, spaces with greater influx of people, or dangerous crossings; providing real-time information to simplify decision-making and take greater advantage of existing infrastructure.
According to Francisco Rodríguez, Manager of the technical area for Axis Latin America in Spanish-speaking countries, "the constant work by manufacturers and the authorities in charge of guaranteeing safety is of the utmost importance to offer avant-garde solutions that adapt to the needs of today and the future, which, in addition, allow to integrate simultaneously several solutions so that together safer and smarter spaces are created". In this way, the axis video surveillance specialist lists five key technologies to provide security to smart cities in the face of constant changes and needs.
1.Network video cameras
One of the peculiarities of network cameras is that it is a field within video surveillance that has a wide catalog that can be adapted to any need. The analytics applications developed have transformed conventional systems so that their implementation has the expected results anywhere and under extreme weather conditions. These cameras provide excellent image quality, regardless of the lighting conditions, size and characteristics of the supervised areas, ideal for any truck station, metro or Metrobus platforms or stops where people ascend and descend to public transport, as they will allow to alert about the development of certain situations and help to respond directly with intelligent decisions about the operations and the assignment of Resources.
2.Body cameras
Body solutions are a powerful tool that helps capture evidence closer to any event, for example, in a traffic accident, or abuse at road stops. The capture of evidence that offers solutions such as Body Worn, collects data and documents actions that serve as support or reliable evidence for the person carrying the camera and the people involved, these recordings with audio and video can be used in internal investigations and before the courts, in addition to being a tool to instruct and train staff on possible situations.
"With these solutions, it is easier to carry out such regulatory work, since it is designed to provide flexibility, scalability, and integration with other security systems that are already in place, thanks to its components this solution becomes more profitable for monitoring and represents a long-term investment for the public and private sector, "- Rodriguez explained. In addition, "this body solution is also an effective way to deter inappropriate behaviors and positively influence those who carry the cameras and the people around them, the high acceptance it has had within the local and global market is due to the multiple benefits they offer." This can undoubtedly be seen reflected in a better behavior when waiting for the arrival of transport at the stations and when entering the units.
3.Video Analytics
Another important aspect to consider within road safety, refers to video analytics that allude to software applications that automatically generate descriptions of what happens, that is, metadata; with this information you can manage in a more practical way the monitoring of people, cars, and other objects that are detected within the perimeter, the flows of movement and trajectory of the route. This information can then be used to initiate actions, such as deciding whether to send a notification to security personnel or to start a recording. Betting on intelligent analysis generates time savings, as it is easier to carry out supervision, and greater efficiency in the automatic analysis of the video in search of security incidents, therefore, you can act before a crime occurs or issue alerts to notify the corresponding authorities.
4. IP Audio
The possibilities offered by audio systems to road safety are very wide, since they serve as an auditory resource to prevent and mitigate accidents within this environment. In addition to allowing scheduled ads in different areas at the right time and place.
The programming of these audio systems creates a flexible environment in which an alert system improves security with announcements activated by events or direct calls; in turn, the sound can be used through speakers connected to video systems to alert of events that endanger the safety of the inhabitants.
5.Perimeter protection
One of the main concerns for security personnel are blind spots, that is, those areas where there are no technological devices that allow the monitoring of a given space. Among the analytics that are responsible for the protection of specific areas are those that protect the perimeters, for example, Axis Perimeter Defender, which can be combined with any camera and system on the network, including thermal cameras, IP speakers and image management software.
The solutions are designed for installation in large areas where it is necessary to reinforce security in the control of the environment, such as a truck stop or even airports, to recognize intruders or detect suspicious behavior within the perimeter. The technological resources that work together to protect the perimeter area are the key element to make any place a safe space.
"It is clear that, in order to constitute smart cities as such, it is necessary to achieve a joint work of solutions that adapt to the demands of the environment, and road safety education of the citizen as a transport user, pedestrian and driver, which allows governments to promote the use of more efficient systems to guarantee a better quality of life to their inhabitants, in addition to the optimization of road flow in smart cities," said Francisco Rodríguez, Technical Area Manager for Axis Latin America in Spanish-speaking countries.
With the collection of information that video surveillance solutions offer, more accurate and reliable databases can be constituted for road safety programs that respond to the demand of citizens, creating awareness is extremely important so that hand in hand with technologies an evolution of the performance of road safety and traffic is achieved.
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