Inventions that make traffic safer

When up carsomething that most of us often take for granted is that there will be lines, signs and lights that help guide the driver on the road.

In the early 20th century, none of that existed. At that time, there were hardly any roads. Transport infrastructure has come a long way since then. Over time, cars became more efficient and much more popular.

This also adversely affects traffic safety with more road deaths occurring each year, initially attributed to car, but that’s not the only problem, roads in the past were also backward and dangerous. Here are the invention Most important for traffic safety:

10. Road markings

Although there are some differing opinions and opinions about the origin of the line, Edward Hines is credited with creating this invention in 1911.

Before that, traffic was completely undivided, lines were not commonly used until the 30s, when the auto industry was much more developed. Head-on crashes were then commonplace and nearly always fatal.

9. Signage

Signage is something that has existed since the Romans built roads across Europe to connect their empire.

Without signs, it becomes a lot more difficult to navigate an area a rider has never been to. At the same time, this is also an invention to help ensure traffic rules. Currently, thanks to GPS technology, traveling has become more convenient, without the need for too many signposts as before.

8. Traffic lights

Road markings and signs can combine to produce simple stop signals, but something more effective is clearly needed when it comes to intersections.

Some countries favor roundabouts, but this only works in countries with good driver training. So a solution to reducing accidents was invented in the 20’s and started to be used all over the world in the 40’s and 50’s. Traffic lights eliminate confusion at intersections and contribute to improve traffic flow.

7. Traffic control system

A major advance for traffic lights came when controllers began to be used in the 1950s. Most of these systems relied on an electromagnetic ring whose sensor function would sense traffic and trigger it. lamp.

Unfortunately, these are still imperfect systems and don’t detect small cars that don’t have enough metal to trigger the solenoid, which could result in someone having to wait at a red light for a while. long before they realize the lights will never change color. Today, this system has been further improved with advanced computer technology.

6. Reflective landmark

One of the biggest safety innovations directly related to night driving safety is the reflective markers that tell the driver where the traffic line is even when it’s too dark to see. actual lines.

Called Botts Dots in the US and Cat’s Eyes in English-speaking countries, these reflections will also serve as a physical warning if a driver deviates from his lane and drives past them. (acts like a small speed bump).

5. Reflective signs

Another big step forward for night driving is reflective signage, invented by Harry Heltzer while working for the 3M reflective equipment company in the 30s.

Over the years, reflector technology has improved a lot compared to its early days.

4. Street lights

Street lighting has been around since the popular (and dangerous) gas-powered lights. Today, street lights have become safer and less expensive.

The street light system is not only confined to the city but also widens on major highways, making nighttime travel safer than ever.

3. Solar energy

Solar energy is not exactly a traffic safety invention, but it has a lot of applications in this field.

This technology makes it much easier to install more affordable street lights in remote areas. The application of this form of energy can also be, for example, luminescent landmarks made to collect solar energy and glow at night.

2. Guardrails

In the past, the passes were always really scary because there were no railings on either side of the road and if handled poorly, it would be easy to have an accident.

Today, all passes and bends will be supplemented with a safety net with railings, thus reducing unfortunate accidents.

1. Self-driving cars

Unfortunately for all car enthusiasts, it’s a simple fact that the biggest danger on the road today is people. Human error is the key factor.

Currently, autonomous vehicles have not really been fully put into operation, but it is certain that in the future this technology will be improved. In a few years, people will see an increase in the use of self-driving cars, which is also an important invention in making roads safer.