Mohammad Shukri Khoo BMD204513

As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. It has always been a problem to drive
at night especially for the elderly and people with sight problems. Usually the problem arises when
they cannot really see the surface markings of the road. Having to focus on the road and endure sight
problems would be dangerous for these people. Even normal sighted people find it difficult to drive at
night especially when its too dark. Even worse, the surface markings are usually faded and not well
maintained.
Therefore, one of the solutions to this problem is to replace all painted road surface
markings with laser lights. Road surface markings are used to provide guidance to drivers,
motorists or even pedestrians. Road surface markings include travel lanes, center lines, parking
spaces and etcetera. Usually, road surface markings are painted with different colors that indicate
several meanings. My focus is on the travel lanes and the center lines, which provide separation
between traffic moving in opposite directions. Travel lanes and center lines of the road are usually
painted and they do not last long. Painted markings usually last for a few months before the city
council has to repaint them again. This makes it difficult for the city council. Besides that, after a few
months of repainting, the color of the lines will fade and this makes it even harder for the drivers.
Firstly the benefit of replacing paints with laser lights is cost effective. This is because the city
council does not have to repaint roads after several months. Painting costs a lot of money and takes
longer time. All they need to do is maintain the laser lights and road lights. Besides that, laser lights
last longer than paint. Next, it is easier for the drivers, motorists and even pedestrians to see the
markings. Laser is used instead of normal lights so that they can see the surface markings even during
daytime. Besides, the division of the road will be more precise and accurate.
However, there are also disadvantages of replacing paints with laser lights. First, the
installation cost is high. Besides that, the system has to be well maintained to avoid any problems on
the road. However to overcome this, backup fluorescent lights just like the ones in airplanes and
cinemas can be installed on the road. Besides that, it would be disadvantages for people with color
blindness. Therefore, the choosing of color of the lights should be considered, so that it would be
advantageous for everyone. Finally, the energy consumption would be very high because the lights are
electrically conducted. Perhaps energy friendly laser lights can be invented one day.
In conclusion, this invention would change the world for a better one. This invention will
surely reduce road accidents and help those people who cant drive properly due to their sight
problems at night.