Asfinag Uses Drones in Accidents

The aerial view often has decisive advantages for the helpers in the event of a traffic accident. The so-called "Traffic Managers" of Asfinag, who are deployed in the metropolitan areas of Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, and Graz during incidents on the road and carry out tasks such as securing or breakdown assistance, are now relying on drones. Asfinag announced this on Friday. A corresponding simulation of a serious accident has now taken place together with the police.

Drones Tested in Accident Simulation

A serious incident with injuries was simulated at the Kematen traffic control area on the A8 Innkreis motorway, and a drone was used to assist. The company is also increasingly relying on these technical helpers in its motorway maintenance departments.

"Our drone project is all about traffic safety. We immediately recognize the exact extent of the accident site, how many lanes are blocked, where vehicles have come to a stop, and how far the traffic jam has already reached," said Asfinag Managing Director Heimo Maier-Farkas. The information collected from the air is used to decide, for example, which security measures need to be taken immediately and whether a detour or total closure is necessary in coordination with the police.

Also Assistance for Emergency Organizations

A drone project is also underway at the Unterwald motorway maintenance department on the A2 in Styria. There, the technical support is intended to help determine access possibilities for emergency organizations, inspect bridges, or clarify strategic access for vegetation management in difficult terrain. According to Asfinag's announcement, the inspection of water protection facilities after heavy rain is also on the agenda.

Some of Asfinag's "Traffic Managers" have recently been trained as drone pilots. In serious incidents, after completing initial measures, they operate a small drone weighing only 250 grams at a maximum height of 20 meters above or off the motorway. According to the company, this does not distract drivers. Thanks to sensors, the drone can automatically follow the employees, allowing them to have both hands free. The process is legally covered, and the filmed material is used internally only and is subject to data protection, according to Asfinag.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.