New lighting technology could prove a real life saver and prevent distraction

An estimated 40% of collisions happen during the hours of darkness. Whilst you may think that it seems a reasonable reality, perhaps not when you consider there are far fewer people driving at that time of day.

The risk increases whenever a driver takes their eyes off the road.  Focussing on and orientating yourself in a dark vehicle means more time spent not looking at the road in front. A vehicle travelling at at 56 mph covers 25 metres per second. It means that even a short glance at the satnav screen, or tuning the radio, can result in ‘driving blind’ for ten metres or more. On an unlit road, this could potentially mean missing an important sign, a bend in the road or an obstacle.

Lights on the horizon

Ford is currently trialling new headlight technology that projects directions, speed limits or weather information onto the road so the driver’s gaze can remain fixed on the way ahead. Unlike previous systems that project onto the windscreen, this method means it is in the line of sight on the road in front outside the vehicle.

The technology could even provide the driver with information about changes in weather, such as snow falling, fog, slippery conditions, or an icy road ahead. Connecting the headlight to the navigation system could display upcoming turns, while the width of the vehicle could be projected onto the road, helping the the driver to judge whether the vehicle will fit through a gap or into a parking space.

Projecting ahead

Lars Junker, features and software, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Ford of Europe says: “What started as playing around with a projector light and a blank wall could take lighting technologies to a whole new level”.

“There’s the potential now to do so much more than simply illuminate the road ahead, to help reduce the stress involved in driving at night. The driver could get essential information without ever needing to take their eyes off the road.”