Chevron

Problem

Tailgating remains one of the most common complaints among drivers—not just an annoyance, but a leading cause of rear-end collisions. In an age of affordable sensors, smart electronics, and modern vehicle technology, how can we design a solution that’s effective, easy to install, compatible with most vehicles, and compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADRs)? The ideal device should not distract drivers or pull focus from the road, nor alter the appearance of the vehicle. It must integrate seamlessly with both older and newer cars, especially within the second-hand market. Above all, it should remain low-cost, reliable, and unobtrusive—leveraging modern tech to enhance safety without compromising design or usability.

Research

Research shows that many drivers are unaware of how closely they follow the car in front, yet believe their distance is appropriate. Studies also indicate that people respond well to signage and are generally receptive to information delivered through visual cues. Interviews reveal that the abundance of sensors in modern vehicles can feel overwhelming, suggesting a softer, less intrusive approach is preferred. Survey responses further indicate that adding more noise-based alerts may not be well received. However, there is strong support for a simple, easy-to-install solution with a “set and forget” design philosophy.

Name: Chevron Research Report
File Type: application
File Size: 2 MB
Link: Download File

Initial Ideations Sketches

The question quickly became: where can a device be placed on existing vehicles while remaining compliant with ADRs and avoiding driver distraction? Newer cars come equipped with 360° cameras, parking sensors, fatigue monitors, and heads-up displays. While these features can be retrofitted to older vehicles, they often appear out of place, with excess wiring routed to single power sources or mounted awkwardly—on air vents or stuck to windshields. Initial ideation sketches and research revealed that the license plate area may offer a practical solution. It’s a discreet, central location that works across a wide range of vehicles, offering compatibility without compromising aesthetics or functionality.

Key Features

Chevron integrates modern technology into a fit-and-forget system. It uses two E Ink displays mounted on either side of the license plate, driven by a simple yet modern technique that manipulates electrons via an electric charge to change the display similar to a kindle. This approach ensures minimal power consumption and high reliability. The entire system operates on just 5V, making it highly efficient and easy to integrate. A single lidar sensor detects the distance to the trailing vehicle, triggering visual alerts when tailgating is detected. Designed for simplicity, low cost, and broad compatibility, Chevron offers a discreet safety upgrade that blends seamlessly with most vehicles without adding clutter or distraction.