New Israeli Development: Smart Lighting System to Prevent Nighttime Traffic Accidents

Against the backdrop of concerning data from the National Road Safety Authority, which reports that 74 pedestrians have been killed since the beginning of the year, the Kfar Saba Municipality is promoting an innovative pilot project to combat traffic accidents.

In collaboration with the company Safecross, a solar-powered system based on advanced sensors has been installed at the intersection of Weizmann and HaMa'apilim streets. The system detects a pedestrian while they are still standing on the sidewalk preparing to cross, and immediately activates bright, focused lighting on the crosswalk. This action alerts the driver, improves visibility in the dark, and allows for faster braking reaction times.

Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Saar emphasized the importance of the initiative:

"The safety of residents in public spaces is our top priority. We are constantly working to combine innovation and technology with practical solutions on the ground that can save lives. It is our duty to make public spaces safer."

Director of the Municipal Road Safety Authority, Sigal Shitrit, added:

"Our goal is to create a safer road environment for all users. A crosswalk is a sensitive meeting point between pedestrians and vehicles, so it is vital for us to identify locations where safety can be improved and implement innovative solutions. Alongside technology, we continue to act in the fields of advocacy, education, infrastructure upgrades, and enforcement to strengthen the culture of safe driving in the city."

The municipality will evaluate the system's performance in the coming weeks with the goal of expanding deployment to additional locations. The Kfar Saba Municipality noted that the system marks a significant step in promoting urban technologies for managing a smart and safe city.