New York Auto Show World Traffic Safety Symposium

Designs for Safety Competition
4th Place - Alex Bodnarchuk - Sophmore, Bachelors in Industrial Design North Carolina State University

Because elderly individuals experience limited upper body movement, they may find it difficult to check their blind spots before merging or changing lanes. My design (Vibralert) makes it easier by instantly alerting the driver as another vehicle approaches and slips into one of the blind spots. Sensors placed underneath the rear quarter panel and rear bumper detect incoming vehicles. As the rear sensor detects a vehicle, a slight vibration will be felt on the corresponding side of the steering wheel, so that the driver will know which blind spot the approaching vehicle has entered. As the incoming vehicle continues to move closer, vibration intensity smoothly increases. The driver can now "feel" if another vehicle is in their blind spot.

This feature allows the driver to know when it is safe to change lanes while still maintaining their focus on the road ahead. This eliminates the need to move or turn the body while driving, allowing the driver to constantly keep their eyes on the road. Driver awareness, focus, comfort, and safety are all increased.