GB2435020A - Braking distance indicator for windscreen - Google Patents

Abstract

A distance indicator is defined as simply a horizontal line on a windscreen that drivers can use to determine if they are at a safe braking distance from the vehicle in front of them at a glance by dropping their eyes from a generally horizontal line of sight. A method of positioning the indicator is also defined. Before sticking a black distance indicator line inside the windscreen, the driver adjusts his seat correctly and parks his vehicle at a suitable braking distance from another vehicle. A temporary sheet (see figure 4) may be used on the outside of the windscreen to assist in the method. This sheet may be provided with 9 numbered parallel horizontal lines. When one of the numbered lines is viewed in line with a position low on the vehicle parked in front, the driver sticks the indicator line in a corresponding position inside the windscreen.

Description

<p>Description</p>

<p>A distance indicator is simply a horizontal line on the windscreen of a vehicle which indicates if you are at a safe braking distance behind the vehicle in front (see sketch 1) or an unsafe breaking distance (see sketch 2).</p>

<p>It works on the principle of using the drivers "dropped eye" line of sight.</p>

<p>When a driver looks ahead there is an imaginary horizontal line on the windscreen in his normal line of sight. If he lets his eyes drop naturally his line of sight changes and the imaginary line meets the road surface (see sketch 3).</p>

<p>The placing of an actual line on the windscreen is decided by observing the "dropped eye" line of sight, in conjunction with the safe breaking distance for a vehicle.</p>

<p>To establish where on the windscreen you would place this line, the driver should place his vehicle on a level road (or car park) at the recommended braking distance for 70mph (as given in Highway Code or manufacturer's recommendation) behind another vehicle or suitable marking on the road. The braking distance could be decided for wet or dry conditions.</p>

<p>On the outside of the windscreen a temporary clear plastic sheet with numbered horizontal lines should be fitted so that the parked vehicle in front is seen through the lines (see sketch 4).</p>

<p>The driver should sit in his vehicle and adjust his seat until he is in his normal driving position. He should then look ahead and then down (letting his eyes drop naturally) so that he can see the road ahead where the vehicle (or other marker) meets the road surface. He should note the line number. He should repeat this a few times until he is satisfied what is the appropriate line (ie the line number which the vehicle in front in above in its entirety) number. When he is satisfied he should stick a thin black line along it on the inside of the windscreen.</p>

<p>If there is more than one driver the line number selected should be the one that the vehicle in front is above for all drivers. Claim</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>1. By placing a horizontal line in the "dropped eye" line of sight a

   driver can observe if he is at a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.</p>

   <p>2. The positioning of this line is suitable for more than one driver.</p>

   <p>3. It is suitable for all speeds below the legal speed limit or other speeds.</p>

   <p>4. The positioning of the line can be set for different road conditions.</p>

   <p>5. It can be used on all types of road vehicles that have windscreens.</p>