Sharjah: Students of Skyline University in Sharjah have developed a project that could prevent speeding and failure to wear seatbelts by drivers.
Smart Street, developed by Saif Yazan Maslamani and Mahmoud Frejieh, is on display at the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences as part of UAE Innovation Month, being celebrated in Sharjah from February 15 to 21.
The project suggests the roads and transport authorities equip every vehicle with a sensor that can get connected to radars through electro-magnetic waves. The sensor can also be connected to the vehicle’s computer with a small screen to show commands to the driver if he is driving above or below the speed limit or has not buckled up the seatbelt.
If the driver continues to drive recklessly despite the warning, he or she may be fined by the authorities.
Maslamani said: “It is quite common to see reckless driving behaviour on the roads. While some drivers slow down near the radar to avoid the fine and speed up as soon as they get past the radar, others switch lanes in a dangerous way. Ignoring seatbelt warning is also quite common that puts lives of the driver as well as the passengers at risk. Such habits can be controlled by adopting this technology as the sensor can be mounted on the vehicle and it remains active throughout the period car engine is on.”
Dr Kakul Agha, who teaches ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ at Skyline University, and is the mentor of the project, said: “It is a futuristic idea focusing on road security and safety for drivers. It can become a reality in the fast-moving innovative country like the UAE.”
She added: “Mounting these sensors on the vehicles to alert drivers whenever they speed-up or ignore safety signs is less expensive and more effective idea. Radar sensors give an audible warning and flash a light to alert drivers to slow down. The intensity of the alarm increases with increasing speed.
Frejieh said once the driver will be aware that Smart Street can track everything they do on streets, he or she will improve driving behaviour and reduce risky habits that can cause accidents.
He suggested that this system should be connected with the police department so that drivers who continue to flout the instructions would be fined.
