Blue Lights To Reset Internal Clocks

holy_calamity writes "Researchers at RPI are testing the effects of putting blue LEDs inside cars to keep drivers alert. People driving through the night are much more likely to cause accidents because our circadian rhythms just want to sleep — blue light at around 450nm wavelength can fool them into thinking it's morning and keep them awake."

Comments

Re:Is this really the answer?

[Cadallin]

In my opinion, the convenience isn't worth it. At all. Mostly because people are not merely a threat to themselves while behind the wheel, they are a threat to pedestrians, cyclists, and children. I'd also argue that "Car Culture" contributes to our sedentary life style (which isn't good for long term health, remember? It causes hypertension, increases risk of heart attack, stroke, and generally lowers quality of life)

Cars suck. Big Time. In fact, pretty much everything that is wrong with America today, I can probably figure out a way to implicate America's love affair with the automobile as a major contributing factor. Dependence on Foreign Oil? Check. Consumer Debt Culture? A yep. Urban Sprawl? Check! Fast-Food as encouraged by the drive through window (further increasing the size of our fat asses)? Check! I can keep going all night folks.

Re:Technology For Dickheads

[pandrijeczko]

My car turns on the lights automatically when it turns dark, or when I drive into a tunnel.

I find the "darkness detection system" between my eyes and brain and my "switch the headlights on" system between my brain and hands works pretty well for entering a tunnel also.

That does not invalidate the feature; it's a convenience.

It invalidates the feature for me since I have no need for it. Neither is it a convenience because I have no need of it.

The luxury model of this car (which I don't have) has Lane Departure Warning System.

Good for you. And I bet sitting behind the wheel of your car makes you feel like an Airbus pilot with all those dials and blinking lights. But like I said, if it improves your driving experience then enjoy it - you've probably earnt it.

If you're crossing lanes on a highway without a turn signal enabled, it vibrates your chair in the appropriate direction.

Lovely. And I'm a good enough driver to start my blinkers manually when I change lanes. And you're vibrating chair now makes you feel like captain of the Space Shuttle. Again, we're both happy - please continue to enjoy your driving experience.

Not everything requires a three-page disclaimer, American.

Does the sarcasm, irony and general piss-taking humour not give you the clue? I'm British through and through, me ole' mucka.

Off you go then, don't forget to write - and please continue to enjoy your driving experience, Captain Cosmos of the M25 Space Lanes.

Re:Technology For Dickheads

[pandrijeczko]

I need to use a lawn mower to cut my grass every week. Because of that need, it is convenient to store it in the garage and therefore inconvenient to store it in the attic. (I won't use the proper British word "loft" because you pedantic Americans will have trouble understanding it.)

However, if I get rid of the lawn, I no longer need the lawn mower. Therefore, whether I store it "conveniently" in the garage or "inconveniently" in the loft, or indeed sell it, is irrelevant because I no longer need it.

It has nothing to do with the meaning of any word but the relationship between those words. If you don't like what I'm saying, then come at me with a convincing argument (or even some humour if there's any in you) rather than just picking up on some irrelevance because it's an easy way of venting of your frustrations at being unable to argue intelligently.