The Sagunt City Council has presented a proposal to calm traffic using three-dimensional figures painted on the asphalt. These optical illusions aim to make drivers naturally reduce their speed by perceiving non-existent obstacles. The low-cost measure seeks to improve road safety in school and residential areas without resorting to traditional physical speed bumps, while also beautifying the urban environment.
How to trick the eye to tame the asphalt 🚗
The technique is based on forced perspective and trompe-l'œil. By painting figures that appear three-dimensional, the driver's brain interprets a change in level or a real object, triggering an instinctive braking response. This avoids vehicle vibrations and noise, unlike classic speed bumps. The design adapts to the width of the roadway and can include signs such as raised crosswalks or animals, tested on low-speed roads to ensure their effectiveness.
Goodbye speed bumps, hello drawings that look like holes 🐻
In the end, drivers will have to wonder if that polar bear painted on the street is real or just a municipal trick. Because, of course, what radars and fines couldn't achieve, an acrylic bear will. Sure, just be careful not to brake so hard that the driver behind, instead of seeing an optical illusion, ends up seeing stars from their bumper. Pacification, but without jolts.