emergency response unit of Toyota's test drivers helps save lives in ambulance that seldom sees action
At the Shibetsu Proving Ground in Hokkaido, Japan, a unique safety measure has been implemented to ensure the well-being of drivers during winter vehicle testing. The blue lines, painted on snowbanks, serve as visual markers to help drivers navigate more safely in snowy conditions.
How the Blue Lines are Painted
The blue lines are painted using a special formula designed to be highly visible against the white snow. Mechanized equipment is typically used to apply the paint on snow surfaces, and it adheres well even in cold temperatures and snowy conditions, ensuring longevity throughout testing periods.
The Purpose of the Blue Lines
These blue lines provide clear visual markers that define the boundaries of the track or driving lanes, enhancing driver orientation and spatial awareness during tests conducted in snowy, low-contrast environments. By helping prevent vehicles from inadvertently driving too close to or into the snowbanks, they reduce the risk of collisions and test interruptions, thereby improving overall safety.
The Team Behind the Blue Lines
Shinji Kataoka, a member of the Vehicle Engineering Development Division's Shibetsu Vehicle Testing Section, supervises the courses. Kataoka is not only an expert in vehicle testing but also a certified first-aid instructor. The Shibetsu facility has a nurse permanently stationed on site for emergencies.
Six members of the course management team wear orange training uniforms and would respond in a rescue situation. One of the team members, Toki, who previously worked as a test driver, transferred to course management and focused on improving the process of removing snow poles. Toki developed a jig to make it easier to pull out snow poles that had been frozen in place during winter.
Safety Measures Beyond the Blue Lines
Two emergency vehicles, an ambulance and a rescue truck, are stationed at the Shibetsu Proving Ground for potential accidents. The team regularly trains in handling specialized equipment that is rarely used. The work of test drivers at the Shibetsu Proving Ground involves pushing vehicles to their limits in various conditions.
The blue lines used at the Shibetsu Proving Ground are non-toxic, with ingredients similar to food coloring. The mini truck used for painting lines was converted from a fire engine. The Shibetsu Proving Ground is a place filled with creative ideas for ensuring safe testing, as evidenced by the blue lines initially being used on highways in Hokkaido by the Japan Highway Public Corporation.
In winter, approximately 2,000 snow poles are planted around the Shibetsu Proving Ground, with around 30-40% becoming frozen and unable to be pulled out. Removal of these poles is necessary before summer testing can commence, as they obstruct the setup of courses.
The Shibetsu Proving Ground is a key facility for making ever-better cars, and the blue lines are just one of the many safety measures in place to ensure the continued development of safe and reliable vehicles.
These safety measures extended to the financial sector, as the costs of repairs and damages were insured by a specialized automotive insurance provider, ensuring the continuity of the testing operations. As the Shibetsu Proving Ground utilized advanced technology for precision handling and testing during vehicle trials, it also leveraged technology in the transportation industry for maintaining and optimizing the blue line painting equipment's performance.
