By Jack Shaw, Syndicated Columnist
Commercial fleets are made of experts at navigating any city, road and weather condition. Their jobs become easier if destinations consider their utility in urban designs. Explore the importance of sensible, accessible infrastructure alongside well-managed traffic. How do these concepts translate to drivers, and how do they impact cities?
Vans and trucks need sufficient infrastructure and traffic management to keep citizens safe. Other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists require consistent, intuitive traffic flow to navigate decision-making while on the road. Such assets assist when unexpected variables like inclement weather reduce visibility.
Fleet drivers are also safer if other participants see a cohesive, sensible movement structure that works with the environment and surrounding buildings, such as bold lane markings, visible speed limit and safety signs, and sturdy barriers and guardrails. Areas should be as exclusive and blocked off as possible for varied types of transportation.
These work together with thoughtful landscaping and placement to provide drivers with helpful cues on traveling the area and preventing congestion. For example, barriers should have sections for pedestrians and cyclists so large fleets can make wider turns even more safely. Dedicated lanes for fleet drivers regulate the driving behaviors and moods of surrounding cars.
Post-accident care is another aspect of traffic management and infrastructure attentiveness that keeps drivers safe in the long term. Road professionals remove all debris, and verify there’s no damage to roads, walkways and buildings.
Traffic management systems are advancing to make fleets even more efficient and secure. Smart TMSs allow remote monitoring to reduce accident risk. They’re becoming an essential part of the industry, with spending on smart TMS’s expected to rise by nearly 75% by 2028.
Their most important aspect is the analytics they provide for commercial drivers. TMSs confirm how many cars pass through areas at what times, how much congestion there is during peak hours and how frequently accidents occur depending on the weather.
Cities and neighborhoods should take this opportunity to view the effectiveness of traffic-calming assets, and whether they blend well with existing infrastructure. Traffic calming includes litter-free sidewalks, speed bumps, aesthetically pleasing landscaping, long ramps and turn lanes with adequate warning, and controlled noise pollution.
Effective traffic management can get even more specific now. Travelers can know the driving conditions of the area ahead of time based on data collected. They can have visuals to check for road work or hazards on the route. Fleet managers can seamlessly communicate changes to their drivers and reroute to safer avenues, increasing delivery speeds for maintaining service quality.
Roadway design innovation can support the changing driving behaviors for commercial vehicles by considering structures like roundabouts and ramp metering to maximize mobility and space simultaneously. Roundabouts reduce the redirection fleets must make if going in the wrong direction. Ramp meters allow mindful merging onto highways while making the most out of space a longer on-ramp would have otherwise dominated.
Countless instances prove how traffic management and infrastructure react to each other. For example, TMSs may also see when infrastructure fails through video footage. Aging buildings and trees pose risks to fleets. Continued neglect leads to costly damage and environmental concerns.
Moving traffic and reliable infrastructure are responsible for keeping streets clean and eco-conscious. Fleet drivers need the roads they drive on to receive maintenance. Otherwise, they use more fuel and resources to get to their destinations. Fleet managers that institute eco-driving programs could see an upwards of 30% reduction in fuel use. A community effort lessens fossil-fuel use if those drivers’ vehicles are not electric.
Infrastructure could minimize concerns about overusing diesel if fleet managers advocated for increased accessibility to charging stations. It would catalyze the electrification of fleets and enhance antiquated infrastructure. Logistics teams, stakeholders and accountants will only back the investment of electric fleets if the infrastructure justifies it. The dissemination of charging stations incites additional sustainable traffic infrastructure, like solar-powered lights and road signs.
Fleet drivers need thoughtful infrastructure for safe driving. It protects them and others on the road, primarily when traffic flow is dependable. Commercial vehicles require confident, trained drivers behind these large cargos, but communities must also support these necessary workers by taking care of their personal driving habits. Increased cooperation between all parties alleviates financial stress on those behind traffic regulations and allows them to address priorities in the most impactful order possible.
Jack Shaw is an accomplished automotive writer with a flair for adventure and a passion for all things on and off-road. Serving as the automotive editor of Modded and having written for Ford Muscle, Offroad Xtreme, and more, his articles are a testament to his knowledge and love for the automotive industry. Editor’s Note: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the National Motorists Association.
