China introduces laser light shows on highways to keep drivers awake at night.
A recently shared video on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) features a captivating scene on a Chinese highway where a sign gantry projects a dynamic light show aimed at helping drivers ward off nighttime fatigue.
The footage captures the laser light display seamlessly transitioning between red, blue, and green hues, avoiding any strobing or direct illumination towards vehicles. The primary objective of this vivid color spectacle is to enhance driver alertness during extended journeys on monotonous nocturnal highways. While this innovative approach serves to combat driver fatigue, it raises concerns about potential distractions on the road.
Nevertheless, the initiative to employ creative methods for promoting driver alertness during nighttime travels is not unprecedented. An Australian highway, for instance, utilizes roadside trivia signs as a means to keep drivers mentally engaged.
In a subsequent comment accompanying the video, the user on platform X provided additional context: “A recording captured along the Qingdao–Yinchuan Expressway showcases vibrant laser lights gracefully hovering above the vehicles. According to Mr. Li, the individual filming the scene, these laser lights, specifically designed to counteract fatigue, swiftly revitalized him and significantly alleviated his exhaustion during an extended nighttime journey.”