I live on a dead-end street that meets a busy road with limited visibility, especially since it's just after the top of a hill. There's a lot of traffic, mostly from around 700 homes, but the street has a traffic detection light that hasn't been replaced after it was damaged over a year ago. This has led to close calls for many drivers trying to turn left at the intersection. We're considering options for a traffic detection system, but a commercial solution is way too expensive at around $6000. Does anyone have experience setting up a cost-effective traffic detection system? We have access to power and could mount detectors on nearby fences, which are about 10m from the roadway. I'm thinking about radar or microwave detectors that can cover the distance, but are there any DIY solutions that work?
3 Answers
One simple and inexpensive solution could be to install a domed mirror mounted on a pole across the street. It's a practical way to help see oncoming traffic, especially in hilly areas where visibility is compromised. It's cheap and could really improve safety at that intersection!
I’ve got a driveway doorbell system that uses a magnetic detector and can send a signal up to 250 feet. You could easily adapt it to trigger a light instead of chimes. They’re pretty cheap—under $100—so that’s worth exploring! Just keep in mind they might not be super reliable for heavy road use.
That sounds like a solid starting point! Just make sure to test its range to see if it'll pick up cars in that area.
For a more advanced DIY approach, you could look into using a Lidar sensor with two ESP32s for communication. It’s a little more complex, but it could give you accurate traffic detection. Additionally, if all you need is visibility, maybe consider setting up a camera that monitors the roadway, which could be a simple solution.
Totally agree! Those mirrors are often used in situations like this and can make a big difference.