ONE ACCIDENT ENDED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 49, 26 August 1938, Page 18

ONE ACCIDENT ENDED

Scientists, looking into the future of motoring, foretell the end of at least one kind of road collision, that resulting from one car pulling up suddenly, and being run into by a following car. A new device will make that type of ■accident impossible. The invention foreseen- is an apparatus which will automatically stop the following car when the 'driver of the first vehicle applies his brakes. In effect, one set of brakes will stop two cars. As he puts down the brake pedal the motorist of the future will bring into operation a stop light at the rear of his car. An ordinary light, perhaps, might be sufficient warning for the driver of another car close behind to pull up in time. But no man is infallible. The warning might be heeded just a second too late. So the light that is emitted is riot directed at the driver, but at the car itself. It does not signal the motorist to stop, but automatically applies his brakes without his cooperation or,' indeed, without his knowledge until the thing has happened. The light 'that works this apparent miracle is invisible, consisting of infrared rays. These will be picked 'up. by the photo-electric cell which all cars will carry in front for this purpose. An electric circuit "will be energised, and this: in. turn will work the second car's brake simultaneously with those of the first.