Traffic Research Project on VS2k Visibility Sensors for Increased Road Safety in Foggy Situations

This article outlines the research from the Institute for Automotive Lighting Technology and Mechatronics L-LAB in Lippstadt, Germany for better safety on roads. For their elaborate studies, the scientists use the Lufft VS2k visibility sensor.

Image Credit: OTT HydroMet - Meteorology

Driving at night is a lot more difficult than driving in broad daylight due to the limited low-light visibility. Add severe weather conditions, such as fog or heavy snowfall, and a driver’s visibility can be further impaired, thus increasing the risk of an accident. In this context, it is crucial that limited visibility does not lead to a serious of serious accidents.

VS2k Visibility sensor in fog situation in a snow-covered environment. Image Credit: OTT HydroMet - Meteorology

To enhance road safety, specifically in night-time fog situations, the L-LAB in Lippstadt is conducting research into optimizing headlamp effectivity for use in adverse weather conditions.

The L-LAB lighting laboratory is a collaborative research facility for automotive lighting run by HELLA GmbH & Co. KgaA,  the University of Paderborn, and the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences.

Throughout the research, the VS2k visibility sensor from Lufft was used. The sensor has the capacity to precisely measure visibility up to 2000 m and is therefore perfect for traffic research applications. High-resolution prototype headlights from HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA facilitate versatility and easy adjustment of the light distribution.

Thus, various factors relative to the light distribution can be adjusted, and their impact on visibility can be put to the test. The visibility that was measured with the VS2k was included in the assessment of the test data.

The primary objective of the research project was to develop optimized light distributions to offer drivers suitable visibility on the road in spite of any future adverse weather conditions.

High-resolution prototype headlamp in fog. Image Credit: OTT HydroMet - Meteorology

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by OTT HydroMet. Lufft is one of OTT HydroMet's strong brands for professional environmental monitoring.

For more information on this source, please visit OTT HydroMet.