Missouri will fire deafening 'sound cannons' at drivers to deter work zone speeding

[Sherman A1]

http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/14/5613782/missouri-will-fire-lrad-sound-cannons-to-deter-work-zone-speeding

Apparently the threat of a costly ticket isn't enough to slow down drivers passing through work zones on Missouri's highways, so the state is taking extreme measures to solve the dilemma. Missouri's Department of Transportation is preparing to deploy the LRAD sound cannon — a tool (some might say "weapon&quot that's been used to break up mass gatherings like Occupy Wall Street — to warn motorists that they're going too fast. The device emits a targeted, deafening siren that "easily penetrates the windshield and well-insulated cab of a car, even overriding the vehicle’s engine sounds and a radio turned up loud enough to jam to tunes at highway speeds."

The state has already conducted tests with LRAD (embedded below), loading it onto the back of a truck and sending out verbal "slow vehicles ahead" warnings to nearby vehicles. But now Missouri has committed to the technology by purchasing two of the pricey devices. Transportation officials claim that they provide an unmistakable alert about slower roadwork vehicles up ahead, and insist LRAD will only be directed at speeding drivers that haven't yet moved out of work lanes. Still, critics maintain that the ear-piercing nature of the alerts presents a clear danger in and of itself.

LRAD's sirens can reach up to 153 decibels, more than enough to potentially cause hearing damage. This is technology that's been deployed in war zones, after all. Missouri's DOT reportedly insists the tool will only being used at safe levels, but it's easy to see how motorists could become disoriented and wind up in an accident. The element of surprise is an unwelcome one on the road, and that has many drivers crying foul about Missouri's plans.

It appears that they have completely lost their minds.........

[Autumn]

1. I would think this may very well increase traffic accidents in work zones

Kind of stupid.

[demigoddess]

3. you said it!!

you would think that they would know that something like that is dangerous!

[Politicalboi]

2. Why don't they use real cannons

I'm sure a few have them as lawn decorations. Much cheaper as long as they don't shoot the cannon on the highway.

[gordianot]

4. So what happens when a driver loses control and then hits a worker?

Or a workers ears are damaged even if you do not care about car safety.

[Sherman A1]

7. Agreed

What could possibly go wrong with such an innovative and high tech plan such as this one?

Besides we have all these nifty "toys" that are available courtesy of our recent forays into the Mid East and SW Asia that are just begging to be repurposed! It's more of a recycling or "works" program for the Military Industrial Complex.....

[liberal N proud]

5. How many heart attacks will this cause?

Blast, driver freaks out, looses control and careens in to the construction area.

Yep, well thought out idea!

[blkmusclmachine]

6. WHAT THE F(_)CK ?!?! -- Gov't actively turning against the citizens. Democracy my a$$!!!