Wireless warning

American highways are dangerous and deadly. In 2001, nearly 38,000 people were killed and 2 million injured in road accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Now, University of Florida researchers want to use radar technology to make our highways safer. They're recommending the use of "smart beacons" implanted along roadsides at every 100 feet to warn drivers of impending dangers, like accidents or fog-related snarls. The beacons would flash either yellow or red to warn drivers to slow or stop; otherwise they'll glow green. They would be about the size of a pack of playing cards and contain solar cells for electricity, batteries, lights, radar, and wireless communications electronics. The beacons would use ultrawideband radar (UWB), the same system that automakers want to use for onboard collision-avoidance mechanisms.

The beacons would not require human intervention, although law or rescue personnel could control them remotely in order to mark evacuation routes or detour traffic around accidents. "The sensors will automatically determine if a crash has occurred. They'll then transmit that information to sensors a mile or two up the road, warning drivers that they haven't yet reached the crash site," explains Dave Bloomquist, an associate professor of civil engineering at the University of Florida. UWB broadcasts rely on split-second pulses of radio energy that can be measured to precisely determine the location of objects and their speed. Bloomquist says the team wants to have a prototype system built and installed within 18 months. They reckon each beacon will cost about $30 - not so cheap. But if the system helps to save lives, it may prove invaluable.

Copyright American Society for Engineering Education May/Jun 2003
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