A new technology is being developed in Sweden to improve visibility for nighttime driving. This technology consists of Ultraviolet (UV) headlights in combination with fluorescent traffic control devices. Vehicles will be equipped with headlamps that supply UV radiation in a high-beam pattern, along with conventional halogen or metal halide low-beam headlamps. UV light is not visible to the human observer, but after striking certain materials it will cause them to "fluoresce", that is, the UV radiation is converted to longer wavelength, visible light. UV-activated fluorescent materials can be incorporated into roadway delineation, such as pavement markings. A field test was conducted to examine the effectiveness of using UV headlights, with fluorescent pavement markings, in increasing the visibility of roadway delineation. This included measurement of both a visibility distance and subjective ratings. The study examined drivers opinions of the UV light as well as measured distance and general visibility of the fluorescent roadway markings as compared to standard roadway markings. Results showed that UV headlights provided a significant increase in UV-activated fluorescent pavement marking delineation visibility. (A)
Abstract