# Futuristic Traffic Signs The Water Curtain Stop Sign Uses Laser-Powered Technology to Warn Drivers By Meghan Young | Published 2013-05-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-curtain-stop-sign References: [bookofjoe](http://www.bookofjoe.com/2013/05/laser-water-curtain-stop-sign-they-do-things-differently-in-sydney.html) & [theatlanticcities](http://www.theatlanticcities.com/design/2013/05/wildly-futuristic-stop-sign-day-laser-powered-water-curtain-sydney/5561/) Some people might dismiss the water curtain stop sign as a touristy gimmick for the city of Sydney, Australia, where it was recently installed, but a slew of [YouTube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-billboards) videos prove otherwise. Unfortunately for Sydney, truck drivers have a particularly hard time keeping track of signs, finding themselves in disastrous situations that delay traffic and cost the city tons of money. In order to avoid more bridge accidents, the water curtain stop sign was installed as a final message to truck drivers not to pass through. Envisioned by Australian engineers, the water curtain stop sign is powered by a laser that projects the universal image onto the falling water. What might be a big investment will in the end save Sydney a lot of money. Plus, it wins in the looks department. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Laser-powered Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of laser-powered technology in various industries to create visually appealing and attention-grabbing signage or displays. - **Smart Signage:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop smart signage solutions that use advanced technology to enhance visibility and improve communication for drivers. - **Cost-saving Measures:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Identify and implement cost-saving measures in traffic management systems to reduce accidents and save money for cities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Transportation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate laser-powered technology into traffic signage systems for improved communication and safety on roads. - **Tourism:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate visually appealing and interactive signage solutions in tourist destinations to attract visitors and enhance their experience. - **Urban Planning:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement smart signage solutions and cost-saving measures in urban areas to improve traffic management and reduce accidents. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pedestrian-Detecting Crosswalks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-pedestrian-crosswalk.md) - [Urban Robot Traffic Safety](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polis.md) - [Polite Driver Communication Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sorry-thanks-car-sign.md) - [Traffic Light-Inspired Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traffic-light-bench.md) - [Light Guidance Carwash Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laserwash-360-plus-laserglow-arch.md) - [AI-Powered Signage Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parky-ai.md) - [IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traffic-beacon-concept.md) - [Truck-Specific Driver Assistance Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/driver-assistance-system.md) - [AI-Assisted Urban Traffic Management](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-traffic-management.md)