A crosswalk developed by researchers at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering uses a host of high-tech features to reduce collisions between pedestrians and vehicles in crosswalks. First, thermal imaging cameras note when a pedestrian is approaching the crosswalk. Then, LED warning lights embedded in the asphalt of the crosswalk will light up to warn approaching cars. While not bright enough to impair drivers’ vision, these lights can reportedly be seen from up to 164 feet away. Next, an electronic sign will light up and blink when the vehicle is 98 feet away from the crosswalk, further notifying the driver of the presence of a pedestrian.
For pedestrians, a warning will be projected onto the ground in front of them when a vehicle is approaching at more than 6 mph. Additionally, an audible alarm will sound and an app on their smartphone will send out an alert with vibration and an audible tone.
