Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Ever almost run into the back of another car because you misjudged how heavily it was braking? Or has anyone run into you? If some research work at Virginia Tech succeeds, then smart brake lights might prevent some accidents.
So what is a "smart" brake light? Currently when you slow down, the brake lights switch on no matter how hard you press the pedal.
For anyone following the car in front too closely, the difference between gentle deceleration and a sudden stop may not be immediately apparent. A smart brake light, however, would show whether someone is just touching the brakes, or making an emergency stop.
Just this thought occurred to American businessman Meade Gwinn after being "rear-ended". He approached Virginia Tech's mechanical engineering department and was introduced to Professor Mehdi Ahmadian. John Hennage, a PhD student, is also now involved.
"The device works based on detecting the deceleration of a vehicle during braking," said Mr Ahmadian. "If the device detects rapid deceleration, then it activates the smart brake light to warn drivers."
Mr Ahmadian's device uses a microchip called a tri-axial accelerometer. Deceleration forces during braking displaces its silicon structure by minute distances, causing detectable changes in capacitance. That allows the electronics to judge the braking force applied."
Fitting smart brake lights seems more of a challenge than the electronics. Regulations prevent original equipment being altered on vehicles, so Mr Ahmadian's students put together a prototype horizontal light bar using amber, red and flashing lights.
Mr Hennage is now combining the braking sensor electronics with the extra LEDs as a cheaper option. Under normal braking, the brake lights work as usual but in heavy braking the extra lights flash.
