Solar Traffic Signs Use Sun’s Energy to Power LED Lights, Warn Distracted Drivers

Many years ago when people switched from a horse and buggy to automobiles, they needed some type of street signs in order to help control the growing number of cars on the roadways so traffic did not pile up and people did not get hurt.  The first street signs were made of wood and could barely be seen with the very dim lights on the new automobiles being manufactured and sold at a record pace.

The next generation of street signs had reflective tape which would peel and fall off in harsh weather, and then finally came reflective paint which stayed in place and helped drivers see what the street signs were warning them to do or not to doThe latest generations of street signs include a safety sign which feature solar panels attached to the street sign’s pole in order to gather the sun’s ultraviolet energy so that they could illuminate three or four flashing LED lights to help warn distracted drivers of upcoming curves in the road, highway workers to slow their speed, an upcoming four-way stop or any number of possible hazards in the road ahead.

The solar traffic signs help save lives because the solar energy from the sun powers flashing LED light which help distracted drivers notice these flashing lights and heed the warnings on the street signs before an accident could occur.  The flashing LED lights do not require batteries or gas a powered generator, which could be costly and sometimes dangerous and that is why many highway departments and construction companies choose to use the solar powered safety signs.

The sun does not even have to be shining in order to generate enough energy into the solar traffic sign to power the LED lights for several hours into the night. This means on an overcast or cloudy day, the solar panels are still at work collecting the sun’s energy and generating enough power to flash the LED lights when cars approach so that they know to stop their vehicle, slow and proceed with caution because there are workers ahead or there may be other dangers in their path.