To improve cycling road safety, Ford has come up with the novel solution of an emoji jacket, which is intended to improve communication between both cyclist and drivers.
As part of Ford's “Share the Road” campaign, the jacket is designed to allow cyclists to communicate with drivers by using emojis.
The Jacket incorporates an LED mesh across its back, that is wirelessly controlled by a handlebar mounted remote. Utilizing push-buttons on that remote, riders can choose to display any of six LED symbols: left or right turn-indicator arrows, a hazard signal for when they're stopping, and smiley-face, frowny-face or neutral-face emojis.
Dr Neil Cohn, emoji and language expert said;
"Emojis have become a fundamental part of how we use language. Whether used to convey facial expressions, humour, or sarcasm, they have become integral to our ability to express ourselves and quickly."
Cohn said:
“the jacket allows riders to express their feelings and creates an important emotional link between them and other road users."
The prototype is not available to buy at the moment, but the hope is that it could eventually improve cycle safety.
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