In the Netherlands, drivers and cyclists frequently enough make eye contact to ensure visibility and safety, particularly at roundabouts.However, this practice isn’t global, and research indicates that additional safety measures, such as front-facing brake lights, could be highly effective in preventing accidents.

Researchers at the TU Graz in Austria have explored the potential benefits of implementing front brake lights on vehicles. While current brake lights are located at the rear, adding them to the front could provide crucial visual cues, especially as cars become increasingly autonomous. In scenarios where human drivers are involved, and even more so when vehicles are self-driving, knowing whether a car has registered your presence is essential.

Front Brake lights: A Smart Addition?

“Between 7.5 and 17 percent of the accidents could have been prevented and that 9 to 25 percent of the accidents had been less serious with brake lights on the front.”

The findings from the TU Graz study suggest that equipping vehicles with red brake lights on the front is a practical safety enhancement. The researchers analyzed data from 200 real-world collisions and conducted simulations to assess the impact of front brake lights. Their analysis revealed that between 7.5% and 17% of the accidents could have been prevented, and an additional 9% to 25% could have resulted in less severe outcomes if front brake lights were present.

The study also noted that in approximately one-third of the accidents analyzed, the rear brake lights were not visible from the front, highlighting situations where front brake lights could be particularly beneficial. This relatively inexpensive addition could be integrated subtly, perhaps beneath the license plate, to minimize any design impact.