2016 Issue

POTENTIAL FOR IMPROVED ROADWAY SAFETY In 2012, 33,561 people were killed on U.S. roads with 2.36 million people injured (NHTSA). As the number of roadway ac- cidents remains such a high cause of death and injury nationally and globally, there is always a need for new and more effective road safety systems in transportation engi- neering. While there has been excitement over new systems, such as the hexagon Solar Road panels developed by Scott and Julie Brusaw, that would theoretically improve safety while creating electricity, most sys- tems are not yet within the cost or reliability range warranted for actual implementa- tion. However, with a perfect storm of several fairly recent improvements in key technologies, one particularly unique idea is already being accepted worldwide as a reliable means for better pavement marking and illumination. These devices are Illuminated Pavement Markers (IPMs). Think of a typical pavement reflector (the little standing credit card-sized tab you often drive over) but with a serious boost in adapt- ability and visibility. These IPM devices are the combined result of small high-efficiency solar panels, compact Lithium Ion batteries with cellphone-proven charge life and reli- ability, and greatly improved LED luminance from fewer LEDs. While many IPM devices exist, only the Highway-grade IPM’s devel- oped for transportation departments easily meet roadway safety standards. DEVICE SPECS PM devices are typically self-contained, wireless, solar powered, and small enough to fit in one hand. Once fully charged, de- vices can realistically run for over 100 hours providing good year-round lighting for With numerous roadway innovations failing to mature and take hold, one in particular is gaining the attention of transportation departments across the country and may be ready for Utah roads. By Spencer V. Taylor Lightspeed Road Solar - snow plowable solar LED road markers 46