In the United States, work zone fatalities and injuries have reached alarming levels. In 2021 alone, over 42,000 injuries and 954 fatalities occurred in work zones—a 17-year high. These incidents highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions that prioritize worker safety and visibility. HINVII™ technology, or High Intensity Non-Visible Intelligent Illumination, represents a revolutionary step forward in this effort.
HINVII™ lights use low-wavelength, non-visible light to enhance the visibility of high-visibility materials on safety gear without distracting drivers or creating glare. This patented technology has the potential to save lives by making public safety officers and road workers more noticeable, especially in hazardous conditions.
Work Zone Risks Are Increasing
The numbers paint a grim picture. Between 2013 and 2021, work zone fatalities increased by 61%. To put this into perspective, 42,000 injuries—the equivalent of filling a football stadium—and 954 fatalities—the same as five commercial airline crashes—occurred in just one year. Additionally, 38% of pedestrian fatalities in work zones were workers performing critical tasks like road maintenance, utility work, and surveying.
The dangers are exacerbated by several factors:
- Higher vehicle speeds and traffic volumes
- Larger, heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks, which are 44%-45% more likely to cause fatalities in crashes
- Limited means of escape for workers near high-speed traffic
These hazards underscore the necessity of Positive Protection measures and innovative technologies like HINVII™.
How HINVII™ Technology Enhances Public Safety and Work Zone Safety
HINVII™ technology addresses one of the biggest challenges in public safety and work zones: ensuring workers are seen. Using non-visible UV light, HINVII™ illuminates high-visibility clothing, reflectors, and equipment, making them stand out without creating distractions for drivers.
- Warning Lights:
Designed for police, first responders, utility workers, and construction crews, these lights work seamlessly to illuminate workers’ high-visibility gear without interfering with drivers’ vision or traffic flow. - Traffic Cone-Mounted Lights:
These rechargeable lights attach to traffic cones and emit non-visible light, causing workers’ gear to glow brightly. They offer multiple lighting modes and are ideal for mobile or temporary work zones like construction, towing or recovery scenarios.
Saving Lives with Better Visibility
Research shows that increasing visibility in work zones can drastically reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. For example, studies estimate that Positive Protection and similar safety measures could save between $3.7 billion and $8.7 billion annually by reducing work zone crashes. HINVII™ technology plays a critical role in this mission, providing workers with unparalleled visibility that could mean the difference between life and death.
Join the Effort to Improve Work Zone Safety With work zone fatalities climbing, now is the time to take action. HINVII™ technology represents a powerful step forward in protecting workers and reducing risks. Visit our licensed manufacturers page or contact us today to learn more about how HINVII™ products can bring life-saving technology to your worksite.