Abstract
In snowy and cold areas, road visibility is critical for vehicle drivers, though the conventional visibility means are not satisfactory. The authors developed a new road pattern visibility system which utilized a laser beam to mark the road edge line under any weather conditions. In 1996, this system was field-tested with favourable results, and then put into practical operation. Questionnaire surveys for nighttime drivers showed that some 60% of respondents found this system effective, while objective observations showed that the laser beam was perceptible in some 90% of the data taken. Further studies will be required to improve it.