The novelties presented at Trafic 2009

The International Road Safety and Road Equipment Fair (Trafic) held its eleventh edition in Madrid and showcased plenty of novelties in automotive safety and on the roads. Among these novelties, we highlight three that were the most sought-after throughout the three days the fair lasted.

An independent entrepreneur named Jose Antonio Aguilera presented an invention that promises to revolutionise the manufacture of the annoying speed bumps on streets and roads. The idea of the “smart speed bump” stems from the fact that not all of us drivers should have to bear the consequences of going over bump after bump on problematic stretches of road. As you all know, the car’s suspension and tyres suffer under the strain, just as our patience does. To address this, Aguilera proposes a speed bump that presents no obstacle for the driver if we cross it at the appropriate speed, but if we exceed the speed limit, it becomes hard, “punishing” only reckless drivers. This is achieved thanks to a non-Newtonian material that normally remains in a liquid state but becomes rigid upon impact. The new invention has already been patented and its use is expected to become widespread across a number of municipalities in Spain.

Trafic also showcased a device called HawkEye Viewport, smart glasses that can detect and read changes in the pupils of the eyes under the effects of alcohol or drugs. These glasses are connected to a computer that can decode the driver’s intoxication data. Will it be even more accurate than the current saliva or breath systems?

A new intelligent charging system for electric cars called CirCarLife was also presented. The system is prepaid and can be installed in a car park or on public roads, aiming to address the current problem of lack of infrastructure for the large number of electric cars expected worldwide.

Source | Autopista

More information | Official Trafic website