Better Traffic Control and Safety on the Roads with Variable Message Sign Displays

The number of automobiles expands exponentially. City roads and highways witness traffic congestion that has become more the norm than an exception. For authorities, controlling traffic is a nightmare and, in future, the problem is bound to escalate. Traditional methods of traffic control and management no longer work. Safety of drivers as well as others is at risk.

Variable message system is the key to better and dynamic traffic management. ITS based VMS variable message signs adapt to changing traffic patterns. Feature rich, these VMS sign for speed warn, guide and inform drivers on highways as well as on city streets. These LED based digital signage systems incorporate into existing computer networks or can even operate independently in the form of portable variable message sign systems that can be deployed with ease in case of need. Such tied or independent VMS led screens are used to designate lanes, for emergency warnings, for traffic updates, to warn motorists about tunnels, toll booths or roadblocks ahead. Digital LED Screens can also be set up in vehicles to take care of temporary requirements. These computer controlled VMS LED screens can be programmed to display messages with automatic adjustment of brightness according to ambient conditions. Another modern traffic aid are radar based VMS sign boards that warn drivers about their vehicles’ speed and also display the safe speed limit for that specific zone. All these products are the present and future of dynamic traffic management of congested city roads and highways, bringing order into chaos.

How are these VMS variable message signs better than traditional signage? For one, they employ high brightness flashing LEDs that are strikingly visible even in bright sunlight. Whereas passive signs tend to be ignored, these LED screens catch the attention of motorists. Since messages can be customized according to conditions, these are more helpful for drivers to warn them about, say, landslide ahead or traffic jam or a bridge. In time, it will become a habit for motorists to check such variable message sign displays. Since their vehicle’s speed can be displayed on these traffic message signage the motorists will also make a conscious effort to keep within safe speed limits, thus reducing dangers to pedestrians and risk of accidents to their vehicles.  For the authorities these ITS enabled VMS signage help gather data that will help them develop strategies to reduce congestion, that will, in turn, help reduce fuel consumption and levels of pollution.