While driving, you’ve likely noticed black cables stretched across the road.

Although they’re common and completely safe to drive over, many people have no idea what they’re actually for.

These rubber cables are designed to collect valuable traffic data. But how do they work? When a vehicle passes over them, the pressure triggers a recording that is sent to a counting device.

This data helps transportation agencies monitor traffic patterns, vehicle speeds, and overall volume, all of which play a crucial role in urban planning, road maintenance, and safety improvements. The information gathered influences decisions related to traffic control, road expansions, and where to place traffic lights or set speed limits.

Typically, these rubber cables are placed in low-visibility locations to avoid drawing attention or altering driver behavior. This ensures that the data collected accurately reflects normal traffic conditions.

To learn more, check out the video below.