Israel Tests Smart Pedestrian Crossing to Enhance Safety

Kfar Saba, Israel, has begun testing an innovative "smart" pedestrian crossing designed to detect individuals approaching the roadway, especially during twilight or darkness. The system aims to alert drivers in advance, providing them with crucial extra time to brake safely. The pilot project, focused on road safety, is being reported by the newspaper Israel Hayom.

The technology was developed by the Israeli company Safecross, based in Bnei Brak. It is intended for use at unregulated pedestrian crossings and operates on solar energy. Special sensors are integrated into existing lampposts and road signs.

The system's primary function is early pedestrian detection. When a person nears the curb, the sensors identify their presence. This triggers a bright, focused spotlight that illuminates the crossing. The technology serves a dual purpose: it makes pedestrians more visible to drivers, even in complete darkness or poor visibility, and simultaneously signals to motorists to pay closer attention to the road. The enhanced lighting also helps pedestrians navigate the crossing more effectively.

Kfar Saba is the first city in Israel to trial this system in real-world conditions. During the pilot phase, specialists will monitor the technology's impact on driver behavior and pedestrian perceptions of safety. The need for such solutions is underscored by recent statistics; according to the National Road Safety Authority, 74 pedestrians have died on Israeli roads since the beginning of 2026.

If the Kfar Saba trials demonstrate that the automatic lighting effectively leads to earlier pedestrian detection by drivers and reduces the risk of collisions, the technology may be implemented at other unregulated crossings across Israel.