Warning over car indicator lights

Andrew Bayliss thinks car makers should take notice of his findings

Modern car indicators could be compromising drivers' safety, a study by the University of Wales, Bangor, has claimed.

Many new designs position indicators within car headlamps - rather than a separate flashing light to the side.

But Bangor researcher Dr Andrew Bayliss said tests showed people took longer to react to the new-style lights.

A spokesman for the UK's Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) described the findings as "very interesting".

Dr Bayliss decided to carry out the research after noticing the new indicator lights as he travelled around Bangor.

When looking at the new-style lights, he said it took a few seconds longer for peoples' brains to "interpret" what they saw.

The position of lights on the car should be guided by safety considerations - not aesthetics Andrew Bayliss, researcher

"Several modern car makers position the indicators on the inside edge of the headlights and this study shows that this design feature could reduce their safety," he added.

Two groups, with 15 young adults in each, took part in the study at the university's School of Psychology.

They were shown pictures of the fronts of cars and asked to press a left or right hand button as quickly as they could when corresponding indicators flashed.

Dr Bayliss said students responded "significantly faster" to cars where the indicator lights were outside the headlight.

'Aesthetics'

He said the delay could be even greater for older people, or in real life situations with more distractions.

"Designers obviously want to create good looking cars, but it should not be at the expense of safety," he added.

"The position of lights on the car should be guided by safety considerations - not aesthetics."

Dr Bayliss's research has been welcomed by the TRL, which carries out transport tests.

Spokesman Dr Nick Reed said the laboratory had conducted studies of its own, and had concluded drivers' responses improved when lights were more visible.

He added: "This new and interesting research appears to add further weight to this argument."

The work is published in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology.