Interpretation ID: nht93-5.30
TYPE: Interpretation-NHTSA
DATE: July 21, 1993
FROM: Charles Jennings
TO: Office of Chief Counsel, NHTSA
TITLE: Subject: Alternating Wavelength Lights (AWL)
ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 8/2/93 from John Womack to Charles Jennings (A41; Std. 108; VSA 108(a)(2)(A))
TEXT:
I have invented an electronic light conditioning device which connects to the already existing low-beam headlights, by just plugging it between the electrical sockets and the lights. To find out how this simple device works and why I developed it, please take a few minutes of your time to read the following letter.
As you know, there are more motor vehicles on our streets today than ever before, per-capita. Whereas i the past, a family would have one vehicle per household. Now, it is common to see one vehicle per family member, which in many cases is quite a few.
SAFETY MUST BE EMPHASIZED:
We are running out of safe driving space. This is space required between each vehicle for safe braking. Every time another vehicle is squeezed into this space. the potential for accidents increases proportionally.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Since the development of the automatic windshield wiper, there have only been a few safety devices developed for the auto industry. Is it because there have been no incentives? Do people think that such ideas only come from the auto makers?
PEOPLE ARE DYING:
While the bureaucrats play politics and the auto makers morgue-file many such ideas, people are dying on our streets.
A simple idea like the "Rear Window Break Light was finally approved by the Department Of Transportation, and has proven to be very effective in preventing thousands of rear end collisions, not to mention the number of human lives, and tax dollars that have been saved.
A NEW INVENTION:
Another accident preventing invention has been developed and tested outside the auto industry, and that is the "Alternating Wavelength Low-Beam" headlight or Alternating Wavelength Light (AWL).
HOW THEY WORK:
Light modulations of less than 17 per second, alternating from one of the two existing, low-beam headlights to the other, and at the same time, changing wavelengths slightly, from one to the other (not flashing on and off), cause several things to occur. See the following statements.
WHEN AND HOW ARE THEY USED:
Daytime; People do not drive with their lights on in the daytime to help them see, but rather to be seen by other drivers.
Vehicles Equipped With AWL: attract the attention of other drivers to the smooth action of the alternating wavelength light, without distracting them, or drivers even realizing that the lights are alternating.
In Rainy Weather: When it is darker and visibility is low, the AWL seems to have an even greater effect in that it helps you see better, and it appears to arouse other peoples awareness. While coming toward you, on coming drivers usually think to turn on their low-beam headlights.
In Fog: As the AWL shortens the wavelength, (a) the glare decreases, thus increasing the visibility, and (b) You are noticed by other drivers.
At Night: As the AWL alternates the wavelengths from one low-beam to the other, this causes shadows to vibrate, thus making holes, poles, signs, and pedestrians more visible. Consequently, safety for all concerned is greatly increased. With AWL, the chance of not seeing a pedestrian in the darkness is very slim.
For about six months now, I have been driving both my 1992 Buick, and an Oldsmobile equipped with AWL. I have shown it to the Texas Department of Public Safety. They see potential, and they do not think it is illegal.
I have seen the results first hand. The effect that the AWL has on approaching drivers is mild and pleasing. They seem to see it more in their subconscious, possibly because the lights never actually turn off during alternation.
It would be good if vehicles who are in traffic a lot like busses, school busses, taxicabs, police vehicles, postal vehicles and trucks were equipped with AWL. After reading this letter, I would appreciate your opinion as soon as possible.