The City of Las Vegas is implementing AI technology to improve pedestrian safety in the downtown area. The $1.4 million grant from the Department of Transportation is being used to fund a pilot program that will install new camera and sensor systems at 17 intersections near Fremont Street. This area has a high volume of foot traffic and frequent close calls and crashes for pedestrians crossing the street.
Joey Paskey, the City of Las Vegas Public Works Director, emphasized the need for improved safety measures at busy intersections like Fremont Street and Casino Center. The technology will allow cameras to sense when pedestrians are in the crosswalk and communicate with traffic signals to potentially extend red lights, giving pedestrians more time to cross safely. This real-time adjustment of traffic signal timing is expected to reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
The city plans to have the new camera and sensor technology installed and operational by early 2025. There will be an 18-month pilot period to test the effectiveness of the system before considering expanding it further. Paskey reassured the public that the cameras will not be used to record or monitor individuals, emphasizing that the primary objective of the project is to enhance pedestrian safety in the downtown area.
