By: ELOISE WALTON
CAR DESIGNERS are currently probing new ways to avoid one of the most dangerous hazards of night driving; drowsiness and falling asleep at the wheel.
To combat this problem, an increasing number of new vehicles are being fitted with a bleeper that can alert the driver before he or she succumbs.
Scientists are now looking into a new way to fight tiredness at the wheel using high-intensity interior lights which prevent the driver from getting tired.
US Scientists at the Rensselear Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York are currently evaluating how blue light affects awareness at different times of day.
Tests results show that exposure to certain wavelengths of blue light generated by light emitting diodes (LEDs) stimulate the human visual system and increase attention. Scientists now face the task of putting this knowledge to practical use.
One idea is to incorporate the cool blue lights into the interior lighting systems of modern cars. They could also be installed at motorway service stations, enabling tired drivers to take a refreshing break before continuing a journey.
The positive effects of blue light have been known for some time. According to Thomas Kantermann of the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich, this type of light stimulates the body’s circadian system which controls periods of waking and sleep.
“Light is one of the most important body synchronizers” he said, adding: “We know the body’s circadian or biological clock responds best of all to blue.”
