Catalonia is taking another step forward in the prediction of road safety with the premiere of a highway that will become the nightmare of novice drivers: the first road with dynamic speed or, in other words, with a speed limit that changes according to traffic conditions thanks to AI.
The road, which may mark a before and after in road safety, is the first of its kind in Spain, and seeks to improve safety and optimize vehicle flow. We tell you everything you need to know about this road to start getting to know what the highways of the future could be like.
Where is the first dynamic speed highway in Catalonia?
As announced by the Councilor for Territory, Núria Parlón, the section chosen for this system is a 150-kilometer segment of the AP-7 highway, at the El Vendrell area, between Maçanet de la Selva (Girona) and El Vendrell (Tarragona).
The stretch will have variable speed panels managed by AI to adapt to traffic and to adjust speed limits in real time according to various factors, such as traffic, weather conditions or the state of the road.
How does AI-controlled dynamic speed work?
It is not the only stretch with dynamic speed in Catalonia, but it is the first to use AI. Since 2009 several accesses to Barcelona apply dynamic speed, but using a more basic system, with variable limits (80 km/h maximum, 40 km/h in traffic jams) based on vehicle flow and weather, without advanced AI.
The new stretch of the AP-7, however, will use predictive AI to anticipate risk zones and adjust speeds (up to 60 km/h in congestion), combined with radars and cameras to detect infractions. In addition, while the first system is more focused on reducing traffic jams, this one seeks more impact, reducing the accident rate and also the saturation of the road.
According to the government, the method has already been successfully applied in other countries such as Germany and France, where it has significantly reduced the accident rate in high traffic areas. After this first application in Spain, if the measure works, it could be extended to other roads.
For example, to what is considered the most dangerous road in Catalonia, where most accidents occur annually.
So now you know, if you are planning your next getaway, keep this in mind and check where your route passes.
And while you’re at it, if you want you can take advantage to do some of these routes to the reservoirs and swamps that are now filled.