Could Front-Facing Brake Lights Be the Next Big Safety Innovation?
by Justin Hartenstein
A recent MotorTrend article spotlighted a fascinating study exploring the addition of front- and side-mounted brake lights to vehicles—an idea that could dramatically improve road safety. Researchers at the University of Toronto conducted experiments showing that drivers and pedestrians often struggle to judge whether a vehicle is slowing down when viewing it from the front or side, especially in busy intersections or crosswalks. Traditional rear brake lights only communicate deceleration to vehicles behind, leaving other road users guessing.
In the study, participants were shown videos of vehicles approaching intersections. When front or side brake lights were present, viewers were significantly better at identifying when the vehicle was braking compared to when these lights were absent. According to Professor Pascal Siu, one of the lead researchers cited by MotorTrend, “Participants identified braking about 0.5 seconds faster when front brake lights were illuminated,” a reaction time that could mean the difference between a safe stop and a collision.
The proposed solution? Equip vehicles with red brake lights visible from the front and sides, giving everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—clear visual cues of a vehicle’s intention to slow down. This could reduce pedestrian accidents, improve cyclist safety, and help avoid miscommunications in chaotic traffic scenarios.
But here’s the thing: while this idea might sound new to some, the concept of front-facing brake lights has actually been part of motorsports for years—and Oracle Lighting has been leading the way.
Proven in Motorsports
Over a decade ago, Oracle Lighting served as the official lighting supplier for the Formula Drift series, where we provided front brake lights integrated into windshields for drivers. These lights allowed judges to see braking behavior of drivers following close behind in high-speed tandem drifts to instantly see when the car ahead was slowing down.
This technology wasn’t just theoretical; it was battle-tested on the track, proving the real-world benefits of forward-facing brake indicators.
Existing Solutions for Enthusiasts and Builders
For those looking to experiment with this safety-enhancing concept on street or show vehicles, Oracle Lighting’s Red LED Grill lights offer an immediate, practical option. These bright red lights can be installed in a vehicle’s grille, providing a front-facing indicator that can be wired to activate with the brake pedal. While not currently required or recognized in most road safety regulations, such a setup could improve communication with pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers—especially in crowded urban environments or at night.
Oracle’s wide range of compact, high-output LED modules makes it easy to design custom lighting systems that not only add style but also boost situational awareness on the road.
The Road Ahead
As discussions around vehicle safety evolve, front and side brake lights could eventually become a regulatory standard—just as third brake lights (CHMSLs) did decades ago. Until then, enthusiasts and early adopters can take inspiration from motorsports and the latest research by incorporating forward-facing brake indicators using proven solutions like Oracle’s grill lights.
Stay tuned to Oracle Lighting for the latest in innovative lighting solutions—because better visibility means better safety, and that’s something we’re passionate about driving forward.