We are not going to discover anything if we say that guardrails are one of the great dangers for motorists and cyclists. For years, solutions of all kinds have been sought.
Among them have been proposed and installed protective systems with double protection, some even padded to absorb the impact and, above all, eliminate the blade effect from the supports. There are also tubular options that follow the same logic of double protection while avoiding the small pillars that can cause severe injuries.
Now, a Spaniard has presented a new addition that does not imply a new design of the guardrails. In this case, the objective is that emergency services can act faster, minimizing the time that can be crucial when an accident occurs.
<img alt="The day the motorcycles inherited aerospace technology: IMUs have arrived to change everything" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/c27854/p90520785_highres_the-new-bmw-r-1300-g-en-tamano-grande/375_142.jpeg"/>A Connected Alternative
The system is called Plugsmart Pro, devised by the University of Valencia (UPV) in collaboration with the Valenciana company Metalesa . It is based on a unique idea that combines artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring systems, and bidirectional signaling to alert drivers in real-time.
This system constantly analyzes the surrounding environment and changes its lighting to warn drivers, bikers, or cyclists that they are approaching a potentially dangerous location. Whether it’s complicated weather conditions or obstacles along the road, Plugsmart Pro ensures enhanced visibility.
The system uses interconnected lights installed on the guardrails that emit a typical halo of light, but during adverse weather conditions, this light becomes more intense. This is the most basic function; however, the truly interesting aspect lies in the environment monitoring capabilities.
<img alt="A simple circle painted on the save lives of motorists: the project that praises the DGT but that only Catalonia tests" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/b6d115/20230619_kfv_brenner_jh_32282/375_142.jpeg"/>If the guardrail detects that another vehicle is approaching, the lights become more visible, alerting drivers who are on the other side of the curve. The system adapts to notify about potential hazards , such as a damaged vehicle, an injured person, or animals crossing the road. If it detects any dangerous objects, the intensity of the light increases further.
This invention has won the Ponle Brake Prize for Innovation in Road Safety in 2024, alongside the National Award for Conservation Safety . The companions at Motorpasion motorcycle have noted that the DGT has already shown its support for this innovative system.
The last significant advantage of Plugsmart Pro is that it can notify emergency services in the event of an accident. This is one of the key incentives that the DGT has highlighted to advocate for V-16 lights, which will be mandatory from January, over the traditional warning triangles.
In essence, the system alerts drivers, cyclists, and motorists of their approach to a danger while its light adapts to signal its level of risk. Additionally, it establishes contact with authorities upon detecting an impact, ensuring that response time from the accident notification to the emergency action is as quick as possible.
Photo | Miraxh Tereziu and Metalesa
In Xataka, it has been reported that Spain faces a problem with old motorcycles: they neither pass the ITV nor receive necessary maintenance.