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New Technology Aimed At Warning Drivers Of Black Ice

Over 80 percent of both men and women surveyed on the subject are in complete agreement that among the most difficult conditions for driving are inclement weather such as pouring rain and icy roads. Under such conditions, the stage is set for motor vehicle accidents.

Statistics show that poor weather conditions on the road result in approximately 1.5 million auto accidents annually, and attribute to 7,000 fatalities. States like Pennsylvania that experience both rain and snow are particularly at risk for weather-related car accidents.

While weather reports and traffic cameras have assisted public road crews and drivers in the past to provide information on road conditions, it is hoped that new technology will aid drivers in anticipating bad driving conditions far ahead of time.

The warning system utilizes a series of sensors embedded in the pavement of the road to provide measurements of the levels of snow, ice, water or frost present on the surface. Laser beams using infrared also remotely measure the temperature on the roads surface.

The combination of these technologies may allow the detection of black ice which is otherwise often invisible to motorists. Other sensors and weather stations at various intervals along a highway can also measure temperature, wind direction and speed and the level of precipitation fairly accurately. The combination of all these readings would then be compiled to give motorists a red, yellow or green indication of the level of road safety.

Of course, nothing can substitute for the application of human intelligence and discretion in deciding how to handle poor weather conditions on the roads. Drivers learning how to operate vehicles with caution on icy or snow covered roads is still the best preventative measure available to avoid serious accidents.

Source: Discoveries & Breakthroughs Inside Science, “Safe or Slippery – Detecting Dangerous Roads,” Dec. 2011