Notably, the International Automative and Light Signalling Expert Group (GTB) gave a presentation about a new directional signal (“DIP”) for vehicles that is being proposed (pictured), and for which regulatory changes would be required, IFP raised concerns about the implications this technology may have on pedestrians.

Our concerns include: 

• The research presented on behalf of the technology is at the level of proof of concept not regulatory safety proof – the evidence presented to date suggests that DIP can improve the detectability of motor vehicle turning intent under limited controlled conditions. In fact, pedestrian behavioral reactions are unexamined.
• Whether this regulation would, as an unintended consequence, codify non-compliance by the more powerful vehicle rather than reinforce existing priority rules that are fundamental to Safe System design.Already pedestrians must frequently adopt defensive behaviours, such as delaying crossing or yielding, even when they have legal priority, in response to perceived vehicle dominance or uncertainty regarding driver intent.
  
• That the technology projects safety-relevant information onto an outside surface that is not standardised and not under the control of the vehicle manufacturer or approval authority. For pedestrians, this variability introduces additional uncertainty, as the visibility and clarity of projected signals may differ significantly across walking environments, including pavements, crossings, and shared spaces.