While the Samruddhi Expressway has significantly boosted connectivity and development in Vidarbha, night-time accidents continue to pose a serious threat to motorists. Experts attribute most of these mishaps to darkness-induced drowsiness and driver fatigue. Now, a groundbreaking innovation developed at Nagpur University aims to tackle this challenge.
Dr. Sanjay Janrao Dhoble from the Physics Department of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, along with students Khushboo Singh and Namika Shaikh, has introduced a luminous safety model named ‘Lume Alert’, which has already secured an international patent.
The concept involves setting up LED-powered “Lume Alert Gateways” at regular intervals on highways. Each unit includes:
- A peacock-themed LED arch installed every 50 km, visible from a distance
- Red, blue, and green LED-lit trees positioned 10 meters before the gateway
- A 2 to 5 km stretch of illuminated space creating a visually engaging driving experience
This vibrant lighting arrangement is designed to disrupt “highway hypnosis”—a state of drowsiness or inattention during monotonous night driving—thus keeping drivers alert.
Dr. Dhoble explained that placing these installations every 100 km could significantly reduce accident rates by enhancing driver alertness. The idea was conceived after a tragic accident near Umred, where a driver who had fallen asleep at the wheel caused the death of four individuals.
Describing it as a “new direction for safe night driving,” the research team hopes the Lume Alert system will soon be adopted along major expressways to make nighttime travel safer for all.
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