Saudi Arabia Lights Up Smart Lights for Driver Awareness During Hajj Season

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Jubair Hossain

JAKARTA - The Saudi Road Authority (RGA) launched an advanced lighting system initiative "darbak noor" which aims to improve road safety and improve the experience of pilgrims by improving the quality of infrastructure for the 1447 H Hajj season.

The initiative, which is on the roads leading to the holy sites, is in line with the religious and tourism significance of Makkah and supports the Saudi Vision 2030 target to reach 30 million umrah pilgrims by 2030.

Reported by ANTARA from SPA, Monday, May 4, RGA stated that this initiative relies on a sophisticated lighting system that provides a new visual dimension in the driving experience.

The program includes the installation of 16 laser devices that project colorful lighting on the road up to a distance of 2 km, as well as 1,110 solar-powered illuminated road markers.

This innovative lighting feature helps improve driver alertness and reduce visual fatigue, drowsiness, and concentration disorders, especially during long journeys.

RGA explained that they used strict technical and operational criteria in choosing the implementation location to ensure maximum impact. At this stage, the focus is on Hijrah Road which connects Mecca and Medina, which experiences heavy traffic during the Hajj season.

RGA also emphasized that this initiative is still in the trial stage as preparation to expand it to other streets after the expected goal is achieved.

In addition, this initiative is a step forward in creating a different driving experience, improving services to pilgrims, as well as contributing to the improvement of urban landscape and aesthetics at the entrance to Mecca.

RGA stated that the results of this initiative are expected to have a positive impact on traffic safety indicators, as well as to become a sustainable model in the implementation of innovative engineering solutions to serve visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and ensure their safety.