{{U}} (31) {{/U}}, optical
illusion can cut highway crashes. Japan is a case {{U}}(32) {{/U}}. It
has reduced automobile crashes on some roads {{U}}(33) {{/U}} nearly 75
percent using a simple optical illusion. Bent stripes, called chevrons
{{U}}(34) {{/U}} the roads make drivers think that they are driving
faster than they really are, and thus drivers slow down. Now the American
Association Foundation for Traffic Safety in Washington D. C. is planning to
{{U}}(35) {{/U}} Japan's success. Starting next year, the foundation
will paint chevrons and other patterns of stripes on selected roads mound the
country to test how well the patterns reduce highway crashes. Excessive speed
plays a major role {{U}}(36) {{/U}} one fifth of all fatal traffic
accidents, according to the foundation. {{U}}(37) {{/U}} those
accidents, the foundation will conduct its tests in areas where speed-related
hazards are {{U}}(38) {{/U}}-- curves, exit slopes, traffic circles, and
bridges. Some studies suggest that straight, horizontal bars painted across
roads can initially {{U}}(39) {{/U}} the average speed of drivers in
half {{U}}(40) {{/U}} , traffic often returns to full speed within,
months as drivers become used to seeing the painted
bar.