Ford tests headlights that can project road signs on the road

Driving in the dark

Driving at night can be riskier than driving during the day. In the United Kingdom, 40 percent of accidents occur in the dark, and even though there is less car traffic then than during the day. It especially often goes wrong when drivers briefly take their eyes off the road. A vehicle traveling at a speed of 90 km/h travels 25 meters per second. Even a quick glance at the navigation screen can then cause one to drive at least ten meters ‘blind’. On an unlit road, this can cause you to miss an important sign or a turn in the road.

New technology

Ford is therefore testing new technology that can project route instructions, the speed allowed or weather information onto the road, keeping the driver’s gaze focused on the road surface. In addition to route instructions or the speed allowed, the technology could also provide the driver with information about upcoming changes in the weather situation, for example snow, fog, ice or black ice. If the headlight were connected to the navigation system, approaching turns could be indicated. Also, the width of the vehicle could be projected onto the road so that the driver can better assess whether the car can pass through an opening or fit into a parking space.

Less stress

“This development could take lighting technology to a completely new level. It is potentially possible to do much more than just light the road. For example, driving at night would be a lot less stressful. Drivers could receive vital information while keeping their eyes on the road,” said Lars Junker, features and software, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems at Ford Europe.

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