Debris Detection

Debris detection is the capability to identify dangerous debris on a motorway or in a tunnel.

Without debris detection technology, operators are typically only made aware of debris in the path of traffic when it is called in by the public, police, or a traffic patrol. Debris is a problem on all roads and in tunnels, causing swerving or actual impact. Debris can occur when items fall off vehicles or as a result of vehicle-related failures, such as tyre blowouts. In mountainous areas, roads also can be subject to landslips.

Debris-related accidents are more likely to happen in poor weather and visibility when it’s harder to see objects on the road and braking times are longer. Roads are dynamic environments that can quickly become challenging: whether it’s low sun reflecting in a driver’s eyes, heavy rain causing spray, or dense fog impairing visibility. Tunnels are dirty and dusty environments with changes in light at the portals affecting vision.

In these conditions, alternative technologies start to fail, and radar continues to work, improving road safety at the most critical times.