Author Topic: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem  (Read 31007 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Rerouter

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4694
  • Country: au
  • Question Everything... Except This Statement
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #200 on: November 12, 2019, 09:03:59 am »
A number of the rental trucks I have seen in the past 3 years tend to have stickers somewhere near the rego sticker saying the height and gross? weight of the vehicle,
 

Online coppice

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 8605
  • Country: gb
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #201 on: November 12, 2019, 09:34:16 am »
A number of the rental trucks I have seen in the past 3 years tend to have stickers somewhere near the rego sticker saying the height and gross? weight of the vehicle,
Haven't all large trucks been marked with their height and gross weight for decades, by mandate?
 

Offline Rerouter

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4694
  • Country: au
  • Question Everything... Except This Statement
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #202 on: November 12, 2019, 10:37:01 am »
on the outside, yes, but rarely do they put it in an at a glance location you would find when you suddenly see "Low bridge ahead" or a road weight limit.
 

Offline tooki

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11341
  • Country: ch
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #203 on: November 12, 2019, 11:54:48 am »
Whenever I have rented a box truck in USA, the vehicle height has always been printed on the dash, and usually on or near the driver door on the outside, and sometimes on the back of the truck, too. And as others have said, they make sure they tell you, too, and it’s a big bold point on the contract that height damage isn’t covered by the insurance. You have to be a real idiot to not know the height. Whether you do anything with that information is an altogether different matter.
 

Offline Cubdriver

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 4201
  • Country: us
  • Nixie addict
    • Photos of electronic gear
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #204 on: November 12, 2019, 12:04:06 pm »
Whenever I have rented a box truck in USA, the vehicle height has always been printed on the dash, and usually on or near the driver door on the outside, and sometimes on the back of the truck, too. And as others have said, they make sure they tell you, too, and it’s a big bold point on the contract that height damage isn’t covered by the insurance. You have to be a real idiot to not know the height. Whether you do anything with that information is an altogether different matter.

In my experience, they also have it printed, mirrored, on the front corners of the box where it is clearly visible and readable when seen in the rear view mirrors.  There is also a sticker or printing on the dash REMINDING the driver that the vehicle is very tall, and that they must be aware of clearances when driving under things.

-Pat
If it jams, force it.  If it breaks, you needed a new one anyway...
 
The following users thanked this post: tooki

Offline Red Squirrel

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2748
  • Country: ca
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #205 on: November 13, 2019, 05:16:04 am »
Good to know, sounds like most of these cases are definitely user error then.  I was ready to give benefit of doubt as someone who drives a normal size vehicle never even bats an eye at height signs as they only apply to large vehicles, then suddenly you're renting a large vehicle and I could see it slip the mind.  But if it's clearly printed, and told at the point of rental then yeah, no excuse really. 

Of course you not only need to know your height, but the height of your cargo.  If you are loading a vehicle with cargo that is higher than the vehicle then you should be aware of that. 
 

Offline CatalinaWOW

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 5170
  • Country: us
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #206 on: November 13, 2019, 04:48:39 pm »
Definitely user error.  If you have ever rented a box truck or RV (caravan) you know there is no way you can forget you are not driving a normal passenger vehicle.  Sight lines, turning radius, acceleration, braking, noise and comfort are all dramatically different.  In addition to all of those written warnings.
 

Offline Cerebus

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 10576
  • Country: gb
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #207 on: November 13, 2019, 05:16:42 pm »
Definitely user error.  If you have ever rented a box truck or RV (caravan) you know there is no way you can forget you are not driving a normal passenger vehicle.  Sight lines, turning radius, acceleration, braking, noise and comfort are all dramatically different.  In addition to all of those written warnings.

You certainly wouldn't forget, but all the cognitive load of coping with all those differences might reduce the amount of brainpower available to think "I wonder if I'll fit under there?".
Anybody got a syringe I can use to squeeze the magic smoke back into this?
 

Offline Mr. Scram

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9810
  • Country: 00
  • Display aficionado
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #208 on: November 13, 2019, 05:32:35 pm »
Let's rehash the whole discussion once more!
 

Offline jesuscf

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 499
  • Country: ca
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #209 on: November 15, 2019, 09:06:55 pm »
Lasers.  Powerful lasers.  That will solve the problem.
Homer: Kids, there's three ways to do things; the right way, the wrong way and the Max Power way!
Bart: Isn't that the wrong way?
Homer: Yeah, but faster!
 

Online coppice

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 8605
  • Country: gb
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #210 on: November 15, 2019, 09:22:54 pm »
Lasers.  Powerful lasers.  That will solve the problem.
Would these be used to slice off any excessive vertical areas of the approaching vehicles?
 
The following users thanked this post: SeanB, tooki

Offline SiliconWizard

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 14297
  • Country: fr
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #211 on: November 15, 2019, 10:06:13 pm »
Lasers.  Powerful lasers.  That will solve the problem.
Would these be used to slice off any excessive vertical areas of the approaching vehicles?

 :-DD
 

Offline SiliconWizard

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 14297
  • Country: fr
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #212 on: November 15, 2019, 10:07:24 pm »
One obvious solution would be to remove the bridge altogether.
Or the road that passes under it.
 :D
 

Offline Gyro

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9410
  • Country: gb
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #213 on: November 15, 2019, 10:25:07 pm »
Maybe if the signs had said it only had 3.5m clearance people wouldn't have run into it so much!

Anyway, raising it by 200mm seems to have solved the problem. ;D
Best Regards, Chris
 

Offline SiliconWizard

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 14297
  • Country: fr
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #214 on: November 15, 2019, 10:40:50 pm »
Maybe if the signs had said it only had 3.5m clearance people wouldn't have run into it so much!

Yes maybe. Could have it helped to also give a clearance figure in feet? :-DD (Sorry that was just because of the other thread...)
 

Offline Brumby

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 12288
  • Country: au
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #215 on: November 17, 2019, 05:02:26 am »
Anyway, raising it by 200mm seems to have solved the problem. ;D

It solved the problem of the 11' 8" bridge - but now we have the new problem of the 12' 4" bridge.
 
The following users thanked this post: tooki

Offline EEEnthusiast

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 370
  • Country: in
  • RF boards, Precision Analog, Carpentry
    • https://www.zscircuits.in/
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #216 on: November 17, 2019, 07:52:17 am »
Add a very slow speed limit like 20mph at least 1000 ft away from the bridge. This will give the truckers enough time to slow down and read the sign.
Making products for IOT
https://www.zscircuits.in/
 

Offline Brumby

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 12288
  • Country: au
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #217 on: November 17, 2019, 08:32:35 am »
Easier idea: paint the whole area yellow and black stripe.  The bridge, supports, earth banks, road - everything.

No - scratch that.  Just paint it all a bright shade of pink.
 

Offline edy

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 2385
  • Country: ca
    • DevHackMod Channel
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #218 on: November 17, 2019, 09:27:02 am »
Interesting bridge. Sometimes you have to save people from not paying attention, even if you try to make it as obvious possible, some will not notice or visualize. If you want to completely avoid the issue, put up a bunch of barriers on all roads approaching the bridge (several intersections before on every road leading in) of the type with hanging chains. Any truck even trying to approach the bridge will get their roof banged up a few times before they even come close.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_Southern–Gregson_Street_Overpass
« Last Edit: November 17, 2019, 09:28:48 am by edy »
YouTube: www.devhackmod.com LBRY: https://lbry.tv/@winegaming:b Bandcamp Music Link
"Ye cannae change the laws of physics, captain" - Scotty
 

Offline tooki

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11341
  • Country: ch
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #219 on: November 17, 2019, 09:06:02 pm »
Add a very slow speed limit like 20mph at least 1000 ft away from the bridge. This will give the truckers enough time to slow down and read the sign.
They do. Every conceivable low-hanging fruit was done long ago.
 

Offline KL27x

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4099
  • Country: us
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #220 on: November 17, 2019, 09:58:08 pm »
Painting the steel barrier a brighter color? How much would that cost?

I'm sure someone else has also noted this. The Pensky truck in the original video runs a red on his way to the crash. Perhaps those flashing red lights are distracting the driver from the traffic light and/or barrier more than they are helping?

No flashing lights. Just a brightly painted barrier with the height painted right on it. No signs, no other clutter. Have spot lights pointed at the barrier to light it like day, vs flashing lights pointed at the driver.

A standard sheet metal road sign with letters on it doesn't hurt you. Blinky lights don't hurt you. The giant steel barrier is what is going to ruin your day. This should draw the attention.

+ of course the greatest idea of hanging a sign of the same height, AT LEAST at the intersection facing the bridge, so even when the light is green and traffic is moving fast, the sign is not going to damage someone's truck who is NOT going under the bridge.
« Last Edit: November 17, 2019, 10:16:07 pm by KL27x »
 

Offline T3sl4co1l

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 21606
  • Country: us
  • Expert, Analog Electronics, PCB Layout, EMC
    • Seven Transistor Labs
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #221 on: November 17, 2019, 10:08:35 pm »
Well since we're going over this yet again... ::)

I repeat:

No amount of visual communication matters, to a driver that is not looking.

Colors don't matter.

Lights don't matter.

Sirens or chains or waterfalls might matter, but don't leave much time to react, and may confuse the driver.  Or they might not be paying attention to that sense, either.

How do you intend to visually communicate with a driver that isn't looking?
How do you intend to audibly communicate with a driver that isn't listening?

Tim
Seven Transistor Labs, LLC
Electronic design, from concept to prototype.
Bringing a project to life?  Send me a message!
 
The following users thanked this post: tooki, Mr. Scram

Offline tooki

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 11341
  • Country: ch
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #222 on: November 17, 2019, 10:10:49 pm »
Painting the steel barrier a brighter color? How much would that cost?

I'm sure someone else has also noted this. The Pensky truck in the original video runs a red on his way to the crash. Perhaps those flashing red lights are distracting the driver from the traffic light and/or barrier more than they are helping?

No flashing lights. Just a brightly painted barrier with the height painted right on it. No signs, no other clutter. Have spot lights pointed at the barrier to light it like day, vs flashing lights pointed at the driver.

A standard sheet metal box shaped road sign with letters on it doesn't hurt you. Blinky lights don't hurt you. Giant steel barrier is what is going to ruin your day. This should draw the attention.
The barrier was originally bright yellow (like the new one that was just installed), but the paint was worn off by the crashes. 😂

As a reminder to all the smartasses who think a simple solution would fix it, please read the FAQ first: https://11foot8.com/faq/

Cuz as I said, all the low hanging fruit was tried LONG ago.
 

Offline KL27x

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 4099
  • Country: us
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #223 on: November 17, 2019, 10:19:27 pm »
Quote
No amount of visual communication matters, to a driver that is not looking.
I agree on this. IMO, it is very common for drivers on a long drive to NOT READ SIGNS.

For this person, the actual barrier will be the first time they notice anything. Do you want to put one more sign here in case they start reading them?

If there's a blinking red lights and signs, and the barrier is black, and it is night, they maybe see... blinking red lights. Lights which are high enough for their truck to clear, btw, which is pretty weird in itself. Why not put the lights lower.

 :-//

Shine the spotlights at the barrier (at not from) and put the height on the barrier. Does this stop all crashes? No. does it reduce them? Maybe? But it doesn't cost much and no, it does not seem like they have done this before.
« Last Edit: November 17, 2019, 10:45:33 pm by KL27x »
 

Offline Mr. Scram

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9810
  • Country: 00
  • Display aficionado
Re: How would you use electronics to solve the 11' 8" bridge problem
« Reply #224 on: November 17, 2019, 10:26:12 pm »
Well since we're going over this yet again... ::)

I repeat:

No amount of visual communication matters, to a driver that is not looking.

Colors don't matter.

Lights don't matter.

Sirens or chains or waterfalls might matter, but don't leave much time to react, and may confuse the driver.  Or they might not be paying attention to that sense, either.

How do you intend to visually communicate with a driver that isn't looking?
How do you intend to audibly communicate with a driver that isn't listening?

Tim
People love bringing up all the things discussed again and again.  :palm:
 
The following users thanked this post: tooki


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf