In Moscow, a new generation of pedestrian traffic signals is undergoing field tests designed to alert people to vehicles appearing around bends. The tests are being reported by TASS through the Traffic Organization Center (TCOC). During these trials, the signals aim to reduce the risk of surprise encounters with turning cars by providing pedestrians with clearer, real-time warnings.
Historically, when the green phase allowed both pedestrians and turning vehicles to proceed, the warning indicators were primarily directed at drivers. Pedestrians often had no explicit cue that a car might emerge from a blind bend. The TASS report explains that the current pilot adds a visual warning for mixed traffic: the signals flash a white car silhouette accompanied by an exclamation mark to indicate a potential hazard to pedestrians and drivers alike.
The pilot project concentrates on several key locations in Moscow and nearby areas. Observed sites include the intersection of 1st Perov Polya Passage and Zeleny Prospekt, the junction of Sergei Eisenstein Street and Prodolny Proezd, Shirokaya Street, and in Zelenograd. These test points were selected to evaluate how the new indicators perform in diverse street configurations and traffic densities. Field data from these locations will inform whether the upgraded signals should replace standard pedestrian lights on specific road segments.
If results prove favorable, the upgraded traffic signals would be installed in place of existing systems, with priority given to high-accident and emergency-prone sections of the road network. The aim is to enhance situational awareness for pedestrians when vehicles may approach from hidden angles, thereby reducing near-miss incidents and improving overall safety during mixed traffic conditions.
Turning from pedestrian safety to driver distraction, another recent topic involves AR (augmented reality) technology in driving environments. Reports mention that an influential safety advocate, MP Biysultan Khamzaev, has proposed banning the use of augmented reality glasses while driving. The concern is that these devices, which blend digital information with the real world, could create new hazards by drawing a driver’s attention away from the road. Proponents argue for a careful assessment of how AR should be integrated into vehicles, if at all, to minimize distraction and maintain clear lines of sight for the driver.
AR wearables are described as compact yet powerful devices that function as portable computers, cinema screens, phones, and gaming consoles all at once. They are controlled through eye movements and hand gestures, enabling hands-free interaction with digital content. While the technology holds promise for navigation and information display, experts caution that such interfaces must be designed with safety as the top priority before widespread adoption in vehicular settings.
In Moscow there have been prior reports about the introduction of traffic-light innovations, including proposals for contour-lit signals that emphasize pedestrian and vehicle boundaries during transitions. These discussions reflect a broader trend toward smarter intersections that balance pedestrian visibility, driver awareness, and traffic flow efficiency. Ongoing pilots and associated studies are expected to shed light on how best to deploy such technologies in dense urban environments while preserving a smooth driving experience for the public.
In sum, the current Moscow trials seek to advance pedestrian safety through clearer warnings about cars approaching from bends, while regulatory and safety discussions continue around the role of AR devices in driving. The outcome of these initiatives could influence future traffic-signal design choices and the regulatory framework governing wearable technology in road use across Canada and the United States, as cities seek practical, evidence-based solutions for safer streets.