Google patents 'Pedestrian Glue' for self-driving cars

Google has a patent for "Pedestrian Glue," designed to keep pedestrians from falling under the vehicle if they are hit by a self-driving car. The patent describes an adhesive layer that "may be a very sticky material and operate in a manner similar to flypaper, or double-sided duct tape," designed to prevent pedestrians from further injury, the San Jose Mercury News reports. The technology, which will also work on ordinary cars, will bring both the vehicle and the pedestrian to a "more gradual stop than if the pedestrian bounces off the vehicle," the patent states. The sticky stuff will be under an eggshell-like layer so it won't end up covered in insects during everyday vehicle use. The idea sounds like it has the potential to prevent injuries, American Physical Society spokeswoman Rebecca Thompson tells Gizmodo.