7 New Technologies that Increase Driver Safety
May 25th, 2017 by Eli P
Vehicle safety has come a long way since the early days of seat belts and air bags. Thanks to seven technological innovations, driving has become safer than ever.
1. Forward collision warning with auto braking.
This advanced safety system uses cameras, lasers or radar to alert drivers when they are closing in too fast on the vehicle front of them. Auto safety experts rate this as one of the most important new safety features because it automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to respond.
This advanced safety system uses cameras, lasers, or radar to alert drivers when they are closing in too fast on the vehicle front of them. Safety experts rate this as one of the most important new safety features because it automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to respond.
2. Adaptive cruise control.
Using radar to detect slower moving objects in front of the vehicle, this safety feature automatically reduces speed. Once the road ahead is clear, the vehicle automatically accelerates to the pre-set speed.
3. Lane departure warning.
Using cameras or lasers to monitor lane markings, this feature alerts drivers, via sound, when the car moves out of its lane without a turn signal. Some higher-end versions will also vibrate the seat or steering wheel to get the driver’s attention.
4. Adaptive headlights.
To better illuminate the road in front of you, these innovative headlights actually pivot with steering wheel movement. The technology has proven to be very effective, especially on dark corners and in rural areas with a lot of wildlife and winding, twisty roads.
5. Back-up cameras.
When you shift into reverse, a dashboard displays live video of the view behind your vehicle, often including distance readings and trajectory lines. Backing into a parking space became easier, too!
6. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
Although still in development, this promising technology will one day transform travel by using a wireless protocol (similar to WiFi) to enable cars, buses, trucks, and even trains to share safety and mobility information.
7. Driver drowsiness detection.
Image courtesy of Crankit.in
A new and rapidly evolving auto safety technology, drowsiness detection involves monitoring different driver and vehicle behaviors to alert drivers that they need to take a break. This includes monitoring steering patterns, vehicle lane position, driver eye and facial movements, and body sensors to measure heart rate as well as brain and muscle activity.
As the technology advances become commercialized, many new cars will become equipped with these safety features, making driving safer for everyone. Who knows what the future will hold as newer and more sophisticated technologies emerge?
