National Highway 1, the Jammu Srinagar highway, is one of the most dangerous roads in India and in the world. HP Lubricants, with Leo Burnett India, has deployed an indigenously developed anti-collision system to warn oncoming vehicles about traffic on the other side of the blind turns the highway is famous for.
The anti-collision warning system is powered by solar energy which negates the need for electric supply. It employs radar-based systems which calculate the speed of oncoming vehicles using the Doppler Effect. In case there are vehicles on both sides of the blind turn, the systems issue warning honks to each side warning the drivers about the existence of an oncoming vehicle, thus helping them prepare for their manoeuvres beforehand, minimising the chances of collisions.
The 110km mountain road section of the Jammu Srinagar highway witnesses two to three accidents daily and this initiative should help curb the unintended damage and loss of life. Such initiatives across tricky roads especially in the north-eastern and other hilly areas in the country should help bring down road fatalities in India.
