World over honking by motorists is considered rude behaviour. But when your road honks for you, it could actually save your life! Yes, you have read that correctly. HP Lubricants and Leo Burnett India have together innovated for the implementation of the world’s first anti-collision vehicle management system for India’s national highways.
Roads that honk, or simply put #RoadsThatHonk is aimed at safer highways across Indian roads. It is a concept that adopts SmartLife poles which are erected near sharp curves and hairpin bends. These SmartLife poles employ advanced networked devices and combine wireless technology, radar systems, and an anti-collision warning system, all powered by solar PV modules.
SmartLife poles are placed on each side of key hairpin bends. And we all know that driving around hairpin bends gets your adrenalin all flowing and you love the screeching of tyres and the feel of your vehicle cornering at high speeds. But what happens if you are not able to brake in time for an oncoming vehicle being driven at equally high speeds? A crash is inevitable and you are bound to go plunging down the hill side. This is where SmartLife poles play an important role.
The poles detect speeds of oncoming vehicles, then communicate with each other to caution approaching vehicles on either sides with a horn. The innovation, that has been conceptualised, designed and executed by Leo Burnett India, was launched on NH1 in North India, along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, a relatively deadly road to drive on.
The functionality is achieved by transmitting an electromagnetic wave in 24 GHz frequency range (K-band), and measuring the frequency shift of the reflected electromagnetic wave. The frequency shift is caused by the Doppler effect of the moving target on the electromagnetic wave. As the relative speed between the radar sensor and the target increases, the detected frequency shift also increases, thus enabling the radar sensor to precisely determine the target speed. Maybe this could also work for a herd of animals coming from the opposite direction.
The smart pole is a unique device created specifically to reduce the risk of accidents in hilly areas, funded and executed by HP Lubricants and Leo Burnett India. The aim is to observe the progress of the device and then further amplify the scale and magnitude of the project. India is a land of multiple terrains and there are several areas where the device is applicable and can save lives by reducing the risk of accidents.
The Police department overseeing the 110 km of Jammu-Srinagar Highway belt has experienced over two-three vehicular incidents daily. Post the installation of the SmartLife pole, the department believes this number has reduced significantly. So next time when you see a sign behind a vehicle which says “Horn Please”, you do not really have to get carried away and honk. Let the roads do that for you!
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