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Using Optical Illusions to Force Drivers to Pay Attention to the Road

Cities around the world are experimenting with the technique

By Rain Noe - October 25, 2017

in Urbanism

A fishing town in Ísafjörður, Iceland is experimenting with a way to get drivers to pay attention to the road. What they've come up with is this optical illusion:

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Artist Jenny McCracken did something similar in New Zealand:

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As did the New Delhi Municipal Council in India:

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And London:

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And there's this dastardly one in Vancouver:

It's an eye-catching idea, but do you reckon these are effective after a driver has seen them more than a few times? I figure it'd like watching a 3D movie, where after a while you're no longer conscious of the effect.

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Amy Adams

7 years ago

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I admire the talent of the artists who make this type of work. However, I would never want to be forced to walk across a crosswalk such as this since this type of illusion makes me physically ill - I am probably the minority but even it if is the best art in the world - don't think it's a good idea for the people like me who have an unwanted (and uncontrollable) physical reaction.

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Jason Guo

7 years ago

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Really cool idea to put art into practical use.
The main concern for me however is that some drivers easily panic. seeing "obstacles" on the road, or the extreme examples of the little girl might severely disrupt their ability to drive

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Juan Cano

7 years ago

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The girl crossing is just wrong. I think they'd be effective. But can't imagine they wear well, maybe last a month or two?

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