In an effort to combat the high number of accidents caused by driver fatigue and microsleeps, China is testing a new safety system on its highways. According to reports, the system involves a laser light show that is designed to keep drivers alert and awake while on the road. The system has been tested in the city of Tianjin, where it has shown promising results in reducing the number of accidents caused by fatigue.
In Germany alone, there were 1,507 accidents caused by driver fatigue and microsleeps in 2021, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). The actual number is believed to be much higher, as many accidents go unreported. In other countries, including China, fatigue is also a major cause of accidents, with up to a quarter of all highway accidents and more than a third of serious accidents attributed to driver fatigue.
The laser light show system being tested in Tianjin involves red, green, and blue lasers mounted on signs above the highway. The lights are visible from a distance of about one kilometer and are designed to stimulate the brain of drivers in the dark. Additional light objects have also been positioned along the roadside to further stimulate drivers. The system has been shown to be effective in reducing accidents caused by fatigue, with a 17% decrease in the accident rate on highways where the system is in use. The system has also been well-received by drivers, who report feeling more alert and awake while on the road.
Other systems are also being tested around the world to combat driver fatigue, including camera systems that monitor the driver’s level of alertness and anti-sleep alarms that warn drivers when they are at risk of falling asleep. While these systems are still in the testing phase, they show promise in reducing the number of accidents caused by driver fatigue and microsleeps. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more innovative solutions to this ongoing problem on our roads.
