A Silicon Valley startup is re-engineering traffic signs, taking them inside cars based on data for more safety. The name of the company is Signal Labs and the app is called Signal.
Hari Srinivasan, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, lost a friend to a traffic accident. The driver
misjudged a turn on a mountain road and drove over a cliff. Since then, Srinivasan has been thinking his friend may still be alive if there was a better warning sign.
The Signal app uses traffic information records and alerts drivers to hazardous spots along their routes. His company, Signal Labs, claims “Signal is a better traffic sign” because it’s smarter, digital and sits on your dashboard.
A smartphone with the Signal can be mounted on the dashboard to warns drivers of multiple types of upcoming hazards.
Using sophisticated vehicle simulation labs, Signal Lab tested software features such as the time to show information to what is shown. By showing the right information and the right time, drivers with Signal focused on the road and were better at avoiding the accidents.
The Signal app flashes warnings of:
- Fatal Accidents
- High Accident Zone
- Dangerous Intersections
- 2-Way Stop Signs
- Uncontrolled Intersections
- Construction Zones
- High Glare Zones
- Railroad Crossings
- Watch Out for Pedestrians
- Watch Out for Bikers
- Speeding on Curve
- Pothole Ahead
- Frequent Harsh Braking Area.
The app is being tested by independent Uber and Lyft drivers. Promotional materials report that street signs,take thousands of dollars to plan, install and monitor.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority started a pilot program with Signal.
The company website states “At Signal, our mission is to eliminate traffic accidents.” Visitors can sign up to receive information for when Signal products are release.
Digital traffic signs using Bluetooth monitor traffic and display information to drivers in the city of Aarhus, Denmark.