This spring, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association hosted its second annual “March Madness” style tournament searching for “The Coolest Thing Made In Illinois.” This year’s winner is a nifty product made right here in the greater Chicago area that makes winter driving safer by reducing the risk of serious car accidents at busy intersections on snowy days.
Red Light, Green Light, Snow-Covered Light
The Self-Regulating Traffic Signal Heater manufactured by Termico Technologies in Elk Grove Village solves a problem that arose when the incandescent light bulbs in traffic signals were replaced by energy-efficient LEDs. LEDs do not emit heat the same way old-fashioned light bulbs do. On snowy days, the LEDs get covered by a wintry mix that obscures the light and leaves drivers guessing whose turn it is to go when they approach an intersection.
Termico invented a heater that uses conductive particles to heat up traffic signals in the winter so they remain free of ice and snow.
“Reality is that if you don’t have some level of visual indication that you should stop, you forget there’s an intersection. There’s a safety aspect to it; that’s why we got involved in it,” said Mike Cubon in an Elk Grove Business Journal article celebrating the local company’s win.
The heater only turns on when it determines the temperature and humidity could result in blocked LEDs. As Trey Hooper explained in the Business Journal, “The self-regulating technology doesn’t require sensors; it only needs voltage to operate safely… Moreover, as it heats up, it draws less power and requires minimum power to maintain the temperature required to melt snow and ice.”
This is some very cool technology. And it is even cooler that it was invented right here in the Chicago area. As the old saying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention,” and our winter weather certainly causes a lot of problems.
Traffic Signals And Other Safety Devices
Whether the traffic signals were working properly is one of the things the Stein & Shulman team investigates when we are called upon to represent someone injured in a car crash at an intersection, and we need to figure out who or what caused the accident.
Under Illinois’ comparative fault laws, the people or entities responsible for a car accident are the ones who have to pay for the damage they cause. Figuring out who or what caused an accident helps us hold the responsible parties accountable so they can’t go on hurting other people. It also allows us to maximize the amount of money our clients can receive by showing that the accident was not their fault.
Experience You Can Trust
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the Chicagoland area, and you believe the condition of the road itself or safety devices like traffic signals played a role in the crash, let’s talk. Stein & Shulman’s experienced team of attorneys may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Please contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
