THE SIMPLE INNOVATION MAKING TRAFFIC SIGN LEGENDS MORE VISIBLE AT NIGHT

摘要

Traffic signs have come a long way since the early 20th century, when stop signs were mostly yellow and federal regulations were minimal. Not only do traffic signs look very different today, but the technology and innovation built into them are making the Vision Zero goal of zero traffic fatalities increasingly feasible. Perhaps no innovation makes this clearer than the LED-enhanced sign, a popular option that incorporates long-lasting LEDs into the sign face to increase sign visibility and compliance. Now, the next generation of LED-enhanced signs has arrived, and it focuses on maximizing sign legend legibility at night - when the threat of collisions is the highest. The Need for Better Nighttime Visibility About 50 percent of traffic deaths occur at night, despite just 25 percent of driving occurring then, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). One reason for this is, unsurprisingly, the inability to clearly see traffic signs and other traffic control devices in low light conditions.