Straightline - Virginia Tech students develop intelligent brake light

Virginia Tech students develop intelligent brake light

A group of Virginia Tech students have developed an intelligent brake light that changes color and flashes as braking becomes more urgent. Under normal braking the center section of the light is amber; but as braking increases, the outside edges flash red. Under the most extreme deceleration, all of the lights flash red.

Right now this is being aimed at the trucking market, as an additional safety feature. It would not replace current brake lights, but would be additional rear brake lighting. In order for this to replace existing brake lighting, either for cars or trucks, a change in federal brake laws would be required.

I've seen a number of motorcycles that have flashing brake lights, and this appears to be an extension of that idea. I like it. I would hope that the federal brake law does get changed so that this type of brake lighting can move forward in cars. It sounds like a very good safety advance.

Full story here.

Posted by Bob Mar 27, 2008 6:50 am

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Categories: Car Tech

Comments

felonious - Mar 27, 2008 8:07 am (#1 Total: 8)

United States of America

I had this same idea, though not the amber part. I suck for not following through on my ideas. It's one of those "just makes sense" things - you can't tell how hard someone is braking from a standard brake light.

sandcountry360 - Mar 27, 2008 10:04 am (#2 Total: 8)

I agree, this is a very good idea. Except for the color choice. I see the amber color as being a problem; it's too close to a turn signal. Even though only the red blinks, it still *could* be mistaken, and that will probably stop it from being approved by the fed. And I know there are cars too that have blinking 3rd lights (Suzuki?), and didn't Mercedes study a system like this, that progressively flashes faster and faster?

flicmod - Mar 27, 2008 11:08 am (#3 Total: 8)

I agree with everyone else about the color choice. People are conditioned to the colors that are traditionally used for brakes/turn signals and to mix the usage of those colors could confuse people.

Which also goes to say that red turn signals < amber turn signals. The progressive brake system that Mercedes developed has always had my vote.

rick8365 - Mar 27, 2008 11:15 am (#4 Total: 8)

I like it too. I thought someone was testing one that varied in intensity with brake pedal pressure. I don't know if it's unique to here or not....but our NJ Transit buses have a variation on this / using amber lights. When the bus driver lifts off of the throttle a set of amber lights come on and then of course if he moves his foot to the brake the red brake lights come on too.

rsholland - Mar 27, 2008 11:26 am (#5 Total: 8)

Ellicott City MD United States of America

I could easily see this replace the current center rear brake light that's now required by law.

estreka - Mar 27, 2008 11:46 am (#6 Total: 8)

subarctic north - Great Falls, MT

Bear in mind that cyclists use a flashing red light at night as well. A motorist might see this and simply take caution rather than stopping.

felonious - Mar 27, 2008 3:26 pm (#7 Total: 8)

United States of America

I think a system like this would work better. All red lights, replacing the center brake light:

+ = light braking
*+* = medium braking
+*+*+ = heavy braking

They illuminate from the inside outwards, progressively with braking force.

ateixeira - Mar 28, 2008 6:15 am (#8 Total: 8)

Recife, PE, Brazil

This is hard, because on one hand it has to be regulated and standardized, and on the other folks like Mercedes and Volvo will want theirs to stand out.

If something like this never makes production, I bet that'll be why.