Innovation In Road Safety

Due to the current accident rates on the roads and the reform of the Road Safety Law that is planned for this year, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is already implementing projects and innovation agreements in road safety.

These new initiatives will allow the reduction of traffic accidents and, with it, the loss of human life. The motto of the DGT, which it wants to convey to all drivers, is that prevention is the key.

The DGT, with the support of Mobileye, is going to  implement new technologies that will make it possible to prepare the road infrastructure system and the circulation of autonomous vehicles, in accordance with Spanish regulations.

Similarly, the Pons Ip Foundation and Pons Seguridad Vial, in a meeting held on March 1, 2017 with companies dedicated to the issue of road safety in Spain, remind us that   research, development and innovation contribute to saving lives by avoiding traffic accidents.

Different projects

Among the most innovative projects in road safety, which could be seen at this event, are:

• Babyled: consists of the installation of a triangle on the rear window of the car and that emits light when a small child is inside the vehicle.
• The PF Sign: an adhesive plate that is placed on the car door to announce that a person is going to get out of the vehicle. In this way, other drivers have the possibility to brake or change lanes and thus avoid accidents.
• Rivemove: system that allows the safe anchoring of child restraint devices, without losing spaces inside the vehicle.
• Velohub: special for cyclists. It is a device with battery that is charged by USB;  It has headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and safety laser perimeter, which allow the rider to be seen from different angles.
• SPA4ROADS: polyurea layer that improves the resistance of the road pavement; thus generating a lower maintenance cost and improving road safety due to the good state of conservation of the roads. 

More proposals in technological innovation

• INVAR SV2: artificial vision system applied to road safety, equipped with advanced technology. It allows the field registration of the state and situation of the roads and all the elements that constitute it, which improves performance in the inspection process, reduces expenses and prevents accidents.
• Self-propelled starting device: it is a plate that is installed in the vehicle and whose purpose is to immobilize it. Its main objective is not to allow the driver to start in the event of drunkenness. To remove it, a breathalyzer test is necessary.
• KIDY BUS HARNESS: child restraint chair, specially designed for children’s bus trips;  made so that they can be carried folded anywhere in the car, equipped with harnesses and five points of handles to secure the child.

These devices are easy to install and what is sought is that children have the same comfort and safety on a bus, which they enjoy in a car. Preventing accidents mainly in cases of heavy braking and also allowing the well-being of children and their companions.

Road safety

All entrepreneurship projects confirm once again how well-used technology can help prevent accidents on the roads. In addition to saving lives and improving the quality of life of all citizens.

For its part, the reform of the law contemplates imposing harsher penalties for offenders;  especially those who drive while intoxicated and under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs. And this going until the withdrawal of the card in a definitive way for those who repeat offenders.

The General Directorate of Traffic also plans to add to the helicopters that exist today to monitor the roads, a fleet of light aircraft equipped with high technology for better control of traffic on the roads.

In the near future, the incorporation of drones for traffic control is also planned; already used in other countries with very good results in terms of road safety.

What is sought, both with the reform of the Law and with the support of these innovation projects in road safety, is to reduce the accident rate and generate safety on the roads. Also support new talents and innovative projects that contribute to improving the quality of life of Spaniards and the world in general.