What is the New Southern Nevada Smart Community Vision?

The Southern Nevada Smart Community Vision: Coordinating Efforts for Safer Roads and Autonomous Vehicles

As more people in Nevada get interested in the potential represented by autonomous vehicles and other “smart” technologies, communities across the southern part of the state have adopted a joint plan to support their introduction. Six jurisdictions across Southern Nevada – Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Mesquite City, Henderson City, Clark County and Boulder City – adopted the Southern Nevada Smart Community Vision.

 

Bringing the Region Together

The plan includes a vision for coordination among the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, local governments and other public-sector parties. As traffic engineers have pointed out, residents do not notice when they cross local borders, and technologies work best with seamless solutions. Therefore, the local governments are aiming to create standardized solutions that can make life easier and more efficient for residents and visitors, including increasing roadway safety.

The Self-Driving Future

Autonomous vehicles are one major part of the vision for smart communities. In 2011, Nevada was the first state in the country to launch cars without human drivers behind the wheel. Therefore, it has become a prominent location for autonomous vehicle tests from various companies, including Lyft and Aptiv. On the one hand, self-driving cars present the potential to remove significant dangers on the road caused by distracted, dangerous or drunk human drivers. On the other hand, poorly designed algorithms or insufficiently tested autonomous vehicles could themselves lead to serious accidents and injuries. A Nevada personal injury lawyer can help to protect your rights if you are injured in an accident caused by another vehicle, whether it is a traditional car or an autonomous unmanned, driverless car.

Protecting Pedestrians at Risk

One of the most significant issues that municipalities want to improve through new technology is pedestrian safety. When cars or trucks crash into pedestrians, they are at significant risk of catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. The city of Henderson will be collecting and sharing data about how pedestrians and vehicles interact on Boulder Highway, accumulated through the use of a laser-based detection system.

By recognizing pedestrians and their intent to cross, similar systems could trigger additional warnings or protective measures that aim to make auto accidents less likely. For example, street lights could brighten when pedestrians are present or additional warning signs could flash on to alert drivers.

Technology presents some unique and exciting opportunities to improve roadway safety, and Nevada public bodies recognize that future potential. In the interim, however, negligent and dangerous drivers continue to put others on the roadways at risk. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s driving, a Las Vegas injury lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve, including lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Call The Schnitzer Law Firm at 702-960-4050 or use our easy online form to set up a consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.