Initial Research

Initial Research - Week 1 & 2

During the first couple of weeks I researched the issue of rear-end collisions and found that they are the most common type of collision. Though not usually fatal, they do end up costing drivers and insurance companies a lot of money. The main cause of these collisions is distracted driving. Weather it be using a cellphone, changing music, tired driving or distractions from passengers, it is evident that the conventional brake lights are not enough when emergency baking maneuvers are performed. The conventional brake lights also do not indicate the rate of deceleration of the vehicle making it sometimes hard to judge how hard you need to brake.

Figure 1. Rear End Collision. (Ellis Law Corporation, 2017)

After some more research I found that Mercedes Benz had a system to remedy this problem. A system that pulses the brake lights under heavy deceleration was incorporated. It was proven that this system decreased reaction time by 0.2 seconds and shortened stopping distances. By using a pulsing break light it grabs drivers attention more effectively than a conventional solid red light. Once the system is more widely used drivers will become more accustomed to the system and recognize the emergency braking maneuvers quicker and further decrease reaction times.

Figure 2. Adaptive Brake Light Technology. (QY Reports, 2018)

References:

Ellis Law Corporation. (2017). Rear End Collision. Retrieved from https://ellisinjurylaw.com/auto/car-accident/rear-end-collision/

QY Reports. (2018). Adaptive Brake Light Technology. Retrieved from https://www.latestindustrynews.com/4508/automotive-adaptive-emergency-brake-lights-market-automotive-adaptive-emergency-brake-lights-market-latest-trends-growth-rate-profitability-business-opportunities-current-trends-market-challenges/