Glowin' With The Flow

Glowing in the Dark

        Remember when the smart phones were a big deal, when we were all impressed with the new technology--that's so five minutes ago. Well, now that most everybody possesses them, we are ready for the next BIG thing. In Netherlands, right now, technicians and engineers are working on what they think will bigger than the smart phone--smart. roads. Yes, you read correctly. By mid 2013, Netherlands expects to have their highways equipped with the newest technology allowing better safety pro cautions. How so, you may ask. Well, the designer behind the idea, Daan Roosegaarde, plans to have the highways actually glow in the dark! He also has designed the smart roads to light up large snowflakes on the road when temperatures are low so the driver will know there is a chance of ice. While this would be very impressive and beneficial, we all would still need to take the normal safety pro cautions, such as, turning on the lights and, of course, our common sense. Another interesting mechanism he will install is called "induction lanes." This is an extra lane on the side of the road--basically like our already shoulders on the road--that will be programed to recharge your electronic car. Call me impressed! If that isn't a "smart" road, I don't know what is. Although this is only available in Netherlands, it won't be for long, for many other countries--including countries such as the United States and India--are greatly intrigued by the idea and hope to enjoy this new technology in the future. Check out this interesting video for the specifics and how exactly their smart roads work: Smart Roads.

This almost doesn't even seem possible. At first glance, this idea sounds crazy and expensive and a waste, but if you think about it, it could have some benefits and potential. What do you think? Do you think the United States should invest in "smart roads," or do you think we are better off with the basics?