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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: ZLoth on January 01, 2024, 11:48:29 AM

Title: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: ZLoth on January 01, 2024, 11:48:29 AM
From The Cool Down:

This winter, Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention — and soon, it may be used by 'transit agencies all throughout the country'
QuoteFor many of us, the term "snow cone" likely elicits images of a white paper cup, shaved ice, and fruit-flavored syrup.

The Idaho Transportation Department, however, is giving the term a new meaning, and while it may not bring joy to people on a hot summer day, it will keep them safe during winter's icy months.

As reported by WRRV, the ITD recently unveiled an invention called "snow cones" that it hopes will keep traffic lights visible when snow accumulates.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2to)
Title: Re: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: SEWIGuy on January 01, 2024, 11:55:30 AM
Those will ice up.
Title: Re: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: Big John on January 01, 2024, 11:57:32 AM
When I see "transit agency", I think of public transit such as buses or passenger rail.  That does not apply here and should have said "transportation agencies".
Title: Re: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: pderocco on January 02, 2024, 02:27:05 AM
"rising global temperatures that are leading to more extreme cold weather"

Talk about lacking self-awareness.

As to the lights themselves, the best defense against icing up would probably be going back to incandescent bulbs, because they generate a lot of heat. Barring that, they could put heaters in the lights that only turn on when the conditions require them. I don't get how a plastic cone does anything at all.
Title: Re: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 06:54:04 AM


Quote from: pderocco on January 02, 2024, 02:27:05 AM
"rising global temperatures that are leading to more extreme cold weather"

Talk about lacking self-awareness.


Not the best messaging, but scientifically sound.

Title: Re: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: SEWIGuy on January 02, 2024, 09:55:09 AM
Quote from: pderocco on January 02, 2024, 02:27:05 AM
"rising global temperatures that are leading to more extreme cold weather"

Talk about lacking self-awareness.


Actually the science behind this is pretty clear.

https://cpo.noaa.gov/research-links-extreme-cold-weather-in-the-united-states-to-arctic-warming/
Title: Re: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: Fredddie on January 02, 2024, 10:37:59 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on January 01, 2024, 11:55:30 AM
Those will ice up.
As I understood it, the design was to make them not accumulate snow. Icing up should still allow you to see what color the light is, even if the light is diffused a bit.
Title: Re: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: MikieTimT on January 02, 2024, 11:17:17 PM
Looks like a 1950's bra, or something Madonna wore.
Title: Re: Idaho's drivers will be a little safer thanks to a genius invention
Post by: Mr. Matté on January 03, 2024, 06:48:50 AM
Quote from: MikieTimT on January 02, 2024, 11:17:17 PM
Looks like a 1950's bra, or something Madonna wore.

"They had to take the traffic lights off the market because some kid put all three of his eyes out."