We are literally staring at a future filled with self-driving cars. Google's driver-less car has already made it to the roads in many American cities. Even though completely self-driven cars are still way off the radar, current and upcoming technologies promise a lot of added simplicity in your driving.
One of the worst nightmares for drivers and insurance companies alike is maneuvering in the vicinity of blind (not visible) spot. Luckily, blind spot alert and assistance systems are now available in the market. Using sensors that detect other vehicles or obstacles located to the driver's side and rear, these systems issue a warning which could be visual, tactile or a sound or vibration.
The redesigned Volvo S80 sedan introduced the Blind Spot Information System in 2007. Using two door mounted lenses to check the blind spot area, it generated a visual alert when a car entered the blind spot when a driver was switching lanes.
Another great development is Automated Parking. Think of the hassle (or worse, a broken fender) when you last attempted parallel parking.
An Automated Parking system finds and backs into spaces or parallel parks without any driver steering whatever. Automated Parking systems use sensors, cameras and even radars installed on the front and rear bumpers, which communicate via signals to detect and fix the position of obstacles.
Ford has rolled out a new automated parking technology that could let Drivers Park with just the push of a button. Called Fully Assisted Parking Aid, this technology controls steering, gear selection, and forward and reverse motion to allow push-button parking. Is currently in the prototype phase and should be available in the market in 2 years.
If the car can park on its own, then it should be able to brake on its own too. Right? Yes automatic braking too could soon now available to those who can afford it Using sensors, the cars will brake to slow the vehicle without any driver input. Sensors can detect traffic as well as fixed dangers (such as approaching stop signs)
Models with automatic braking and collision warning systems from BMW 5 series and X5 SUV, Hyundai Genesis and Mercedes-Benz E-class models were recently tested by crash testing by America's Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Test results were highly encouraging.
Using cameras to detect the painted lane lines on the road, Super Cruise will take the drudgery out of driving and is designed to be able to steer up to the maximum curvature of most highways.
Volvo is working on the idea of embedding magnets in roads to create smart cars which will communicate with the magnets. While the sensor package on Google's self-driving costs about $150,000, Volvo thinks its magnetic sensor package will add a mere $109 to the car's cost.
While we are here, Road Angel Gem is a great little gadget you might want to try if you worry about caught speeding. This gimcrack holds a highly detailed and accurate database of speed limits, speed camera locations, road hazards and accident-prone spots. The speed limit of the current road is constantly displayed on the device's screen, so you can set your speed accordingly. Road Angel Gem also provides a unique service, assist, which allows you to speak to an operator if you get in trouble consider taking a dsa driving test so as to ensure everything about your Driving.
Amelia
