Being
aware is one of the most powerful things for any activity including driving.
Driver feedback signs and other kinds of digital speed signs used
on modern roads have shown dramatic changes in driver behaviors. These signs
are usually utilized to warn speeding drivers to return to the safe parameters
of road usage. This behavior change is evident not only close to the sign
placements but even miles down the road. Digital signs are everywhere nowadays,
right from hoardings, billboards, speed signs, entry points, building names,
and many more places. On average, we come across around a hundred such signs on
a normal day.
The history of
digital signs
While
digital signs have a long and varied history, the first digital speed signs
came into existence around the 1960s. Till then these driver feedback signs had
no specific format at all and were used mainly for speed limits indicated on
the highways or even as directional signs on roadsides outside or inside any of
the buildings in an area. But the growing number of accidents due to their
varied usages and formats brought forth a realization to set the standards for
the road signs most suitable for the roads. Thus, a certain amount of font
styles and designs were developed that bring uniformity of the signs across the
country and globally.
Single device, many
names, and varied uses
The
uniformity of these driver feedback signs and other digital speed signs brought
efficiency to the entire system to pass information to the driver and alert
them of dangers and more. These signs were not only useful for drivers but also
pedestrians to stay safe and the future of any smart city development is
nowadays inherently linked to these signs. These signs are used as radar signs
that display a variety of information, speed feedback signs, traffic calming
signs, speed display boards, changeable message signs, Your speed sign, dynamic
speed displays, and to present other variable messages.
Features and
functionalities
The
continuous advancement of science and technology has relentlessly improved the
driver feedback signs. New-age digital speed signs nowadays offer a range of
features that calm the traffic by displaying the current speed of the driver.
They notify the driver and have the capability to notify relevant authorities
against an erring driver by face recognition and other identification
technologies. They are usually portable, compact, and extremely lightweight to
allow fast deployment at multiple locations. They offer maximum visibility by
light enhancing and by the use of anti-glare frameworks even under low or too
bright lights.
The
modern-day digital speed signs and driver feedback signs have an interactive
way to show the speeds while maintaining a database of the offenders depending
upon the gravity of the offense. They come equipped with programmable strobe
lights to alert even the most inexperienced drivers to notice them and adjust
their speed or drive suitably otherwise. Their solar-powered options now allow
their usage even in remote locations or at places with no direct electricity
option. They are well-protected by being robust items that can easily weather
the environment and need almost no maintenance.
The future of these
speed signs
As
technology further advances and new ways to manage traffic effectively come to
the fore, these driver feedback signs and digital speed signs are bound to
gain from it. The entire scenario is changing rapidly even as we speak and many
companies are developing newer signs with programmable components. These signs
are connected to a cloud or a server with Bluetooth technology and can be
easily programmed by any normal traffic manager through a desktop or a
smartphone. The same sign can also be used either kept on a trailer, a vehicle
or be installed permanently on a pole.
A compliant
solution for traffic control
The
use of suitable driver feedback signs and digital speed signs meets a
comprehensive range of requirements legally to offer security and safety. They
are cost-effective for most cash-strapped traffic departments and are the best
alternatives for traffic lights, speed bumps, and suitable for all road
designs. They solve the problem of poor visibility and can be changed remotely
as per the changed road conditions of the day or hour. They have revolutionized
modern society to conceptualize the idea of smart roads and build smart cities
with their integration with flying drones, autonomous vehicles, smart
intersections, and are extremely environmentally friendly.
Usage of these
signs in India
Over
the years, these driver feedback signs and digital speed signs have become a
fairly common sight in most major cities in India. Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata,
Chandigarh, Mumbai, and a few other Indian cities have used them to flash the
speeds of the drivers and have been found very effective in controlling
traffic. Their usage in an area has proven to slow down the speeding cars that
have brought a huge improvement in the reduction of accidents. Long-term usage
of these signs is bound to reduce the average speed of the vehicles, road
mishaps, better speed limit compliance, calming traffic, and a reduction in the
number of speeding drivers.
Some unexpected
benefits
The
installation of these driver feedback signs and digital speed signs in an area
has provided some unexpected wins and unknown benefits to society. They answer
the biggest community-wide question of if speeding is the reason for accidents.
The documentation capability of these signs provides enough evidence for any
sort of geographical area based on driver behavior due to age or many other
factors. Their presence itself on Indian roads has shown marked improvement in
controlling the speed of vehicles in an area. Being budget-friendly and their
ease of use has also won many hearts in the government departments that should
ensure they are used more on Indian roads.
The use of driver feedback signs and digital speed signs in an area also educates the public and makes them happier citizens. Research has shown that the science of feedback loop in the brain that these signs utilize makes people want to correct their driving behavior and be viewed as responsible citizens. The absence of a speeding ticket and a roadside verbal argument with local traffic cops with just a small reminder to check the speed works best for all. Their usage also solves the manpower issues and budgetary constraints of local traffic departments while beautifying the area and giving it a modern look.
