Initiative details
According to the 2023 report from the Spanish General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), run off accidents are the accidents with the highest fatality rates (42% of the total). This figure has seen no improvement in the last five years, but has actually worsened slightly.
With the objective of finding solutions to this serious traffic, social and health problem, and aligned with the EU-supported ‘Vision Zero’ strategy, Metalesa has led pioneering scientific research in cooperation with the University of Valencia.
Using official accident data from police databases, up to 56,607 run off accidents with victims were analysed. One of the conclusions is the need to install approved vehicle restraint systems (passive road safety), while the other main conclusion is that installing them with embedded new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies may prevent up to 43.5% of all run off accidents (active road safety).
Armed with these results, Metalesa has developed a versatile and innovative technology system, PLUG&META®, that integrates into any road equipment and – through a network of sensors – is able to detect risk scenarios on the road, warn users in real time of hazardous situations and report the data to the competent authorities.
PLUG&META® allows any existing passive equipment to be transformed into smart and connected ones. This is what we call “Active Road Safety for infrastructure”. It is easy to install, affordable, and versatile enough to be incorporated into any road system equipment. It prevents run off accidents by identifying risks in real time and signalling them in order to alert road users. Some of the main risks that can be detected and warned about include:
- Crashes against the equipment
- Problematic time zone
- Limited or reduced visibility
- Risk of ice on the carriageway
- Strong gusts of winds
- Presence of cyclists, pedestrian or animals on the road
- Excessive speeds
- Nearby traffic jams
- Roadworks
- Tight or dangerous bends
- Coordination with traffic lights
All data and control of the different uses and configurations of the technology is via the PLUG&META® TRACE platform. This management platform allows municipal or road administrators to monitor the different smart infrastructures from anywhere thanks to its remote connection.
Through the platform, administrators can check the correct functioning of each device, the road safety alerts that have been registered, the signalling method for each risk scenario, the road safety statistics generated by the smart infrastructures, user and role management and alert validation, among other options. It is a responsive platform, which can be used remotely on any device with an internet connection.
It also allows integration with other third-party management platforms already used in the administrations.
The technological system described and proposed for the award is totally innovative worldwide for its ability to integrate (in a simple, effective and economical way) all these features in a single device at the same time, simply using a plug&play connection for the sensors, those that each administration needs in each scenario.
With this solution, any road administration, and society in general, would have a wide and varied network of equipment available that can ensure the safety of users autonomously and in real time, signalling only those situations that pose a potential risk.
Roads therefore become a safer, dynamic, interactive, protected environment, which will contribute to reducing the number of road accidents.
In summary, the innovative system described above is composed of two well-structured and coherent axes: scientific-technical research on run off traffic accidents + innovative and patented digital technology that provides the infrastructure with Active (preventive) Road Safety. This is an important step in the roadmap towards Smart Roads, facilitating modal coexistence between users, and contributing to reducing the likelihood of run off accidents, which, as previously mentioned, is one of the most serious problems for road safety, as it is the type of accident that causes the most victims each year in Spain and Europe.
With the objective of finding solutions to this serious traffic, social and health problem, and aligned with the EU-supported ‘Vision Zero’ strategy, Metalesa has led pioneering scientific research in cooperation with the University of Valencia.
Using official accident data from police databases, up to 56,607 run off accidents with victims were analysed. One of the conclusions is the need to install approved vehicle restraint systems (passive road safety), while the other main conclusion is that installing them with embedded new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies may prevent up to 43.5% of all run off accidents (active road safety).
Armed with these results, Metalesa has developed a versatile and innovative technology system, PLUG&META®, that integrates into any road equipment and – through a network of sensors – is able to detect risk scenarios on the road, warn users in real time of hazardous situations and report the data to the competent authorities.
PLUG&META® allows any existing passive equipment to be transformed into smart and connected ones. This is what we call “Active Road Safety for infrastructure”. It is easy to install, affordable, and versatile enough to be incorporated into any road system equipment. It prevents run off accidents by identifying risks in real time and signalling them in order to alert road users. Some of the main risks that can be detected and warned about include:
- Crashes against the equipment
- Problematic time zone
- Limited or reduced visibility
- Risk of ice on the carriageway
- Strong gusts of winds
- Presence of cyclists, pedestrian or animals on the road
- Excessive speeds
- Nearby traffic jams
- Roadworks
- Tight or dangerous bends
- Coordination with traffic lights
All data and control of the different uses and configurations of the technology is via the PLUG&META® TRACE platform. This management platform allows municipal or road administrators to monitor the different smart infrastructures from anywhere thanks to its remote connection.
Through the platform, administrators can check the correct functioning of each device, the road safety alerts that have been registered, the signalling method for each risk scenario, the road safety statistics generated by the smart infrastructures, user and role management and alert validation, among other options. It is a responsive platform, which can be used remotely on any device with an internet connection.
It also allows integration with other third-party management platforms already used in the administrations.
The technological system described and proposed for the award is totally innovative worldwide for its ability to integrate (in a simple, effective and economical way) all these features in a single device at the same time, simply using a plug&play connection for the sensors, those that each administration needs in each scenario.
With this solution, any road administration, and society in general, would have a wide and varied network of equipment available that can ensure the safety of users autonomously and in real time, signalling only those situations that pose a potential risk.
Roads therefore become a safer, dynamic, interactive, protected environment, which will contribute to reducing the number of road accidents.
In summary, the innovative system described above is composed of two well-structured and coherent axes: scientific-technical research on run off traffic accidents + innovative and patented digital technology that provides the infrastructure with Active (preventive) Road Safety. This is an important step in the roadmap towards Smart Roads, facilitating modal coexistence between users, and contributing to reducing the likelihood of run off accidents, which, as previously mentioned, is one of the most serious problems for road safety, as it is the type of accident that causes the most victims each year in Spain and Europe.
Initiative date
to
Who was/is your target audience?
Policy makers
Public authorities
Car drivers
Cyclists
Micromobility riders
Pedestrians
Topic
Improve vehicles and infrastructure
Provide alternative solutions
Organisation details
METALESA SEGURIDAD VIAL, S.L.
Enterprise
Spain
CARCAIXENT/VALENCIA
Contact name
César Valero Rubio
Telephone number
+34 615652906
cvalero@metalesa.com
Website link
Project activities
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
Throughout the development of the solution, we had a technological partner with whom we developed a certain part of the hardware and the adaptability to the road equipment.
In addition, we have had the collaboration of the University of Valencia when studying traffic incidents due to run off accidents on the importance of smart infrastructure.
In addition, we have had the collaboration of the University of Valencia when studying traffic incidents due to run off accidents on the importance of smart infrastructure.
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
Research and Development:
Time Period: 1 year
We did scientific research jointly with the University of Valencia analysing the importance of vehicle restraint systems in reducing run off accidents, and their mortality figures, both on peri-urban and in urban areas, for drivers and vulnerable users.
We now have innovative scientific-technical research, which for the first time in our country has studied and given us in-depth knowledge on road exits, and their characteristics and variables. There is no similar research.
Using official data from the DGT, all accidents with victims due to run off accidents between 2017 and 2021 have been analysed (latest available data). Many characteristics of run off accidents have been analysed in depth for that period, such as: user profile, accident severity, fatality rate compared to other types of accidents, types of vehicles, state of the infrastructure, contextual conditions, etc. Data of special interest is also available, segregated by Autonomous Community.
The research carried out goes beyond the analysis and characterisation of run off accidents and their causes. We have also studied and tried to quantify the potential positive impact that the application of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) would have on preventing run off accidents, which has led to it being prioritised for greater social benefit. For this purpose, the DGT ITS Plan was used as a reference.
Once we had the needs, we looked for partners and suppliers in order to define the ideal solution. We worked on the design and prototyping of the devices, the architecture, the adaptability to existing elements, the electrical and power supply solution, the electrical panel and external connections such as sensors or signals.
Prototype Testing and Refinement:
Time Period: 6 months
We wrote the technical documentation on the final result, proof of concept and prototyping improvements to achieve the end product. We tested the performance evaluation through tests in certified laboratories and obtained a worldwide patent for the solution. We also adapted and improved the electrical and sensory solution. At the same time, we developed the SMART device management platform. As a consequence, we obtained the TRL9 development degree.
Preparation of materials and commercial proposition
Time Period: 3 months
We focused on awareness strategies to promote the solution among engineering companies, private entities and public administrations. Training internal work teams so that they knew the solution and could offer it to the market was also very important. We also started creating marketing and commercial materials to explain the solution, attending events with real samples to show the product, its advantages and the problems it solves.
First Real Project Deployment:
Time Period: 3 months
The first operational project was deployed on the Bimillenary Bridge in Elche (Alicante, Spain). A total of 900 metres of PLUG&META® was integrated into a Metaurban® SMART parapet. Our team designed the project at the technical level as well as the electrical components. We then installed, enabled and trained the Elche City Council mobility team to acquire the skills to manage the service. We are still helping with the continuous monitoring of the installation and reporting of possible related incidents.
Time Period: 1 year
We did scientific research jointly with the University of Valencia analysing the importance of vehicle restraint systems in reducing run off accidents, and their mortality figures, both on peri-urban and in urban areas, for drivers and vulnerable users.
We now have innovative scientific-technical research, which for the first time in our country has studied and given us in-depth knowledge on road exits, and their characteristics and variables. There is no similar research.
Using official data from the DGT, all accidents with victims due to run off accidents between 2017 and 2021 have been analysed (latest available data). Many characteristics of run off accidents have been analysed in depth for that period, such as: user profile, accident severity, fatality rate compared to other types of accidents, types of vehicles, state of the infrastructure, contextual conditions, etc. Data of special interest is also available, segregated by Autonomous Community.
The research carried out goes beyond the analysis and characterisation of run off accidents and their causes. We have also studied and tried to quantify the potential positive impact that the application of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) would have on preventing run off accidents, which has led to it being prioritised for greater social benefit. For this purpose, the DGT ITS Plan was used as a reference.
Once we had the needs, we looked for partners and suppliers in order to define the ideal solution. We worked on the design and prototyping of the devices, the architecture, the adaptability to existing elements, the electrical and power supply solution, the electrical panel and external connections such as sensors or signals.
Prototype Testing and Refinement:
Time Period: 6 months
We wrote the technical documentation on the final result, proof of concept and prototyping improvements to achieve the end product. We tested the performance evaluation through tests in certified laboratories and obtained a worldwide patent for the solution. We also adapted and improved the electrical and sensory solution. At the same time, we developed the SMART device management platform. As a consequence, we obtained the TRL9 development degree.
Preparation of materials and commercial proposition
Time Period: 3 months
We focused on awareness strategies to promote the solution among engineering companies, private entities and public administrations. Training internal work teams so that they knew the solution and could offer it to the market was also very important. We also started creating marketing and commercial materials to explain the solution, attending events with real samples to show the product, its advantages and the problems it solves.
First Real Project Deployment:
Time Period: 3 months
The first operational project was deployed on the Bimillenary Bridge in Elche (Alicante, Spain). A total of 900 metres of PLUG&META® was integrated into a Metaurban® SMART parapet. Our team designed the project at the technical level as well as the electrical components. We then installed, enabled and trained the Elche City Council mobility team to acquire the skills to manage the service. We are still helping with the continuous monitoring of the installation and reporting of possible related incidents.
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
The implementation of the PLUG&META® technology has shown major successes in several areas.
The first point we focused on was to make the solution simple, effective and affordable, in order to achieve our goal of democratising the implementation of a technology that transforms equipment into being connected and smart, i.e., to achieve "Active Road Safety for Infrastructure" and reduce the number of road traffic accident victims.
In addition, the PLUG&META® devices must be adapted to each road equipment. This has been a challenge in terms of design, as this requires customisation according to each project. Additionally, the system's ability to be updated remotely meant that it could easily adapt to changing road and urban dynamics and emerging safety needs.
Adapting the risk scenarios, configuring the sensors to capture relevant data, and the communications system between the installation and the management platform was also a challenge.
In this, gaining the trust and cooperation of municipal authorities and the public was crucial, which involved extensive outreach and training efforts to demonstrate the system's benefits and reliability.
The first point we focused on was to make the solution simple, effective and affordable, in order to achieve our goal of democratising the implementation of a technology that transforms equipment into being connected and smart, i.e., to achieve "Active Road Safety for Infrastructure" and reduce the number of road traffic accident victims.
In addition, the PLUG&META® devices must be adapted to each road equipment. This has been a challenge in terms of design, as this requires customisation according to each project. Additionally, the system's ability to be updated remotely meant that it could easily adapt to changing road and urban dynamics and emerging safety needs.
Adapting the risk scenarios, configuring the sensors to capture relevant data, and the communications system between the installation and the management platform was also a challenge.
In this, gaining the trust and cooperation of municipal authorities and the public was crucial, which involved extensive outreach and training efforts to demonstrate the system's benefits and reliability.
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
The best evaluation barometer is the satisfaction of our customers. PLUG&META® technology has already been installed in two different projects.
• In the city of Elche, it has been installed on an urban parapet on one of the city’s main entrance and exit roads.
Quantitative data on traffic incidents, air quality, and speed levels were collected and analysed. Looking at the data before and after implementation statistics, the team could measure the tangible benefits of the system, such as reductions in accident rates and improvements in traffic flow and environmental conditions.
“PLUG&META® Technology allows us to know the level of traffic, if there is a mobility alert or if there has been an accident against the parapet. This data is useful for taking measures in terms of the area's mobility” said the councillor for mobility of Elche's city council.
• In the case of Valencia, PLUG&META® technology has managed to transform a Crash Cushion into being smart and connected. It is located on one of the main avenues of the city, and acts as a separator between a tunnel entrance and the continuation of the main avenue.
Thanks to technology, drivers can now see the dangers of lane separation from a distance. In addition, in this case the installation is self-powered by green energy. Since it was implemented, there have been zero accidents in this area.
“PLUG&META® technology brings versatility to existing systems and allows us to have data and statistics on mobility and traffic in certain conflictive areas where it was not possible before” The Director of the Traffic Control Room of Valencia said.
In addition to the positive testimonials from the administrations, the solution has awards from various prestigious entities, and selected by the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda as a solution to be implemented in the short term on roads.
• In the city of Elche, it has been installed on an urban parapet on one of the city’s main entrance and exit roads.
Quantitative data on traffic incidents, air quality, and speed levels were collected and analysed. Looking at the data before and after implementation statistics, the team could measure the tangible benefits of the system, such as reductions in accident rates and improvements in traffic flow and environmental conditions.
“PLUG&META® Technology allows us to know the level of traffic, if there is a mobility alert or if there has been an accident against the parapet. This data is useful for taking measures in terms of the area's mobility” said the councillor for mobility of Elche's city council.
• In the case of Valencia, PLUG&META® technology has managed to transform a Crash Cushion into being smart and connected. It is located on one of the main avenues of the city, and acts as a separator between a tunnel entrance and the continuation of the main avenue.
Thanks to technology, drivers can now see the dangers of lane separation from a distance. In addition, in this case the installation is self-powered by green energy. Since it was implemented, there have been zero accidents in this area.
“PLUG&META® technology brings versatility to existing systems and allows us to have data and statistics on mobility and traffic in certain conflictive areas where it was not possible before” The Director of the Traffic Control Room of Valencia said.
In addition to the positive testimonials from the administrations, the solution has awards from various prestigious entities, and selected by the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda as a solution to be implemented in the short term on roads.
What has been the effect of the activities?
The activities associated with the PLUG&META® technology have had several positive effects:
Improved Safety: There was a notable reduction in traffic accidents and near-miss incidents in areas where the system was implemented. For example, cases of excessive speed have reduced since the installation on Bimillenary Bridge in Elche, in addition to reducing the cases of alerts derived from accidents against the safety barriers.
Data collection on risks and mobility for the administrations: Thanks to the data captured by PLUG&META® technology, administrations in charge of traffic and mobility management have been able to obtain data and statistics that were previously impossible. This allows them to make data-driven decisions that support them, ensuring an improvement in both road safety and mobility on the roads.
Direct reporting to the authorities in the event of a serious incident: PLUG&META® has ensured that the competent road authorities are able to respond immediately in the event of a severe alert. This has ensured that they are aware of alerts at all times, can respond quickly to them, and ultimately save lives.
Environmental Benefits: By improving traffic flows and thanks to its CO2 and NO2 sensors, administrations can know the air quality levels on their roads to promote a more sustainable mobility.
Improved Safety: There was a notable reduction in traffic accidents and near-miss incidents in areas where the system was implemented. For example, cases of excessive speed have reduced since the installation on Bimillenary Bridge in Elche, in addition to reducing the cases of alerts derived from accidents against the safety barriers.
Data collection on risks and mobility for the administrations: Thanks to the data captured by PLUG&META® technology, administrations in charge of traffic and mobility management have been able to obtain data and statistics that were previously impossible. This allows them to make data-driven decisions that support them, ensuring an improvement in both road safety and mobility on the roads.
Direct reporting to the authorities in the event of a serious incident: PLUG&META® has ensured that the competent road authorities are able to respond immediately in the event of a severe alert. This has ensured that they are aware of alerts at all times, can respond quickly to them, and ultimately save lives.
Environmental Benefits: By improving traffic flows and thanks to its CO2 and NO2 sensors, administrations can know the air quality levels on their roads to promote a more sustainable mobility.
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
PLUG&META® exemplifies effective road safety improvement due to its innovative use of technology to actively prevent accidents rather than merely reacting to them.
By integrating IoT and real-time data analysis, the system transforms traditional passive road elements into “Active Road Safety” equipment. This is a clear example of how technology applied to passive and classic road elements can improve road safety, mobility and the quality of life for drivers and vulnerable road users. PLUG&META®, through the prevention of run off accidents, also represents a saving for administrations in terms of costs.
This holistic approach, combined with its scalability and adaptability to the diverse risk scenarios and different road equipment, makes PLUG&META® technology with a model for future Smart Roads initiatives, enabling the ‘Vision Zero’ strategy for 2050.
By integrating IoT and real-time data analysis, the system transforms traditional passive road elements into “Active Road Safety” equipment. This is a clear example of how technology applied to passive and classic road elements can improve road safety, mobility and the quality of life for drivers and vulnerable road users. PLUG&META®, through the prevention of run off accidents, also represents a saving for administrations in terms of costs.
This holistic approach, combined with its scalability and adaptability to the diverse risk scenarios and different road equipment, makes PLUG&META® technology with a model for future Smart Roads initiatives, enabling the ‘Vision Zero’ strategy for 2050.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
We have shared information about the PLUG&META® and its real project and its results through a comprehensive communications strategy:
Press Conference: We consider the publication of the scientific and innovative study – in addition to being a key Corporate Social Responsibility action for Metalesa – to be the first step in being able to adopt well-founded, effective and rigorous measures, and therefore, it is a contribution of obvious interest in the decision making of competent administrations. The press conference and publication of the nationwide study will be scheduled for this year.
Social Media: Regular updates on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook included data visualisations, comparisons, and testimonials to illustrate the project's impact, engaging a broad audience with videos, infographics and live conferences. Since our publication announcing in the current edition of Intertraffic 2024, last April, that the technology could be applied in road barriers (guardrails), the number of new followers has increased by 79%. This means that the technology developed by Metalesa arouses interest and is relevant for the sector.
Press and Media: Key milestones and results were announced through press releases and detailed articles in industry publications and urban mobility blogs, informing both professionals and the general public alike about the project's progress and benefits. More than 20 articles dedicated to our solutions or projects, with both national and international repercussions. Appearances on national television and radio as experts in Smart Containment Systems for roads. In a few months’ time, we will publish a comprehensive report about traffic accidents and technological solutions to reduce them.
Congresses and technical conferences: Presentation of the study and PLUG&META® technology in national and international congresses and conferences.
Trade Fairs and Webinars: Presentations at industry events such as Intertraffic Amsterdam. Webinars facilitated interactive discussions to raise product awareness among relevant entities and public administrations.
Official Website: Regular updates and comprehensive reports were posted on Metalesa's official website, providing in-depth insights into the project's impact.
Awards and recognitions: Thanks to our Intelligent Safety Barriers, we received the AXA-PONLE FRENO award for INNOVATION IN ROAD SAFETY, the award with the most impact in the field of road safety in Spain. This resulted in a lot of publicity for our solution. We have also been selected by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda as an innovative solution to be applied on Spanish roads in the medium term.
Press Conference: We consider the publication of the scientific and innovative study – in addition to being a key Corporate Social Responsibility action for Metalesa – to be the first step in being able to adopt well-founded, effective and rigorous measures, and therefore, it is a contribution of obvious interest in the decision making of competent administrations. The press conference and publication of the nationwide study will be scheduled for this year.
Social Media: Regular updates on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook included data visualisations, comparisons, and testimonials to illustrate the project's impact, engaging a broad audience with videos, infographics and live conferences. Since our publication announcing in the current edition of Intertraffic 2024, last April, that the technology could be applied in road barriers (guardrails), the number of new followers has increased by 79%. This means that the technology developed by Metalesa arouses interest and is relevant for the sector.
Press and Media: Key milestones and results were announced through press releases and detailed articles in industry publications and urban mobility blogs, informing both professionals and the general public alike about the project's progress and benefits. More than 20 articles dedicated to our solutions or projects, with both national and international repercussions. Appearances on national television and radio as experts in Smart Containment Systems for roads. In a few months’ time, we will publish a comprehensive report about traffic accidents and technological solutions to reduce them.
Congresses and technical conferences: Presentation of the study and PLUG&META® technology in national and international congresses and conferences.
Trade Fairs and Webinars: Presentations at industry events such as Intertraffic Amsterdam. Webinars facilitated interactive discussions to raise product awareness among relevant entities and public administrations.
Official Website: Regular updates and comprehensive reports were posted on Metalesa's official website, providing in-depth insights into the project's impact.
Awards and recognitions: Thanks to our Intelligent Safety Barriers, we received the AXA-PONLE FRENO award for INNOVATION IN ROAD SAFETY, the award with the most impact in the field of road safety in Spain. This resulted in a lot of publicity for our solution. We have also been selected by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda as an innovative solution to be applied on Spanish roads in the medium term.
Supporting materials
