Have you ever driven a car only to struggle to see around blindspots? If so, you’re not alone. One 14-year-old girl named Alaina Gassler noticed her mom having this very problem. So, she did something about it by coming up with an innovative solution.
Most 14-year-old girls are busying hanging out with friends, flirting with boys, and of course, shopping. Not Alaina Gassler. She’s in a league of her own, something evident by her $25,000 award.
She wanted to make driving safer for her mom and others.
All kids want their parents to be safe while driving. But not all of them have what it takes to do something to prevent accidents. One young girl from West Grove, Pennsylvania took it upon herself to come up with a system that can do just that. Her invention to eliminate blindspots has made quite an impression on everyone, including long-time inventors.
Even though she doesn’t even have her driver’s license, she wanted to come up with something that would make it safer for her mom and other people to drive by eliminating blindspots.
Looking for a better way to avoid car accidents.
Alaina came up with a plan. She first installed a webcam on the inside of her mother’s car. That way, it could record a live feed of objects on the other side. Then, she installed a small light projector. That made it possible for the feed from the webcam to project onto parts of the car blocking the view to the outside.
After the system goes online, the various structures of the car that make it difficult for drivers to see become invisible. Alaina hopes that her invention is something that will reduce the number of car accidents that happen because of blindspots.
Doing her part to make a difference for drivers everywhere.
Alaina said, “There are so many car accidents and injuries and deaths that could have been prevented from a pillar not being there. And since we can’t take it out of cars, I decided to get rid of it without getting rid of it.”
Recognized for her good deed.
In response to Alaina’s blindspot eliminator system, she was awarded the $25,000 Samueli Foundation Award. Her ingenuity is beyond imagination, especially for a 14-year-old. But what makes this reward even more special. It’s the top one given to middle school students by the Broadcom MASTERS science and engineering competition.
You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference.
Maya Ajmere, President and CEO of the Society for Science and the Public and Publisher of Science News said, “Congratulations to Alaina, whose project has the potential to decrease the number of automobile accidents by reducing blind spots.”
Ajmere added, “With so many challenges in our world, Alaina and her fellow Broadcom MASTERS finalists make me optimistic.”
Not your ordinary 14-year-old
Yes, Alaina still likes doing the same things as other 14-year-olds. But she also uses her brain to find ways to help people. There’s no question that this young lady has a bright future.
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