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Auto-Pilot Mode in Cars Could Help Families Stay Safe
Sep 10 2008 by Sherrice Gilsbach
9/10/08
Feature Would Help Cars React to Dangerous Situations
Parents need an auto-pilot mode in their cars. Think about it: How long can you tolerate the loud, high-pitched wails of your infant or toddler over a lost sippy cup before you reach back to find it? I give myself 20 seconds and then I’m going for it. I’m taking my eyes off the road, ever so briefly, to bribe my young passengers back into tranquility. (Stop it; you know you’ve done this, too.)
Fortunately, technology is bringing us closer to an auto-pilot mode every day. Our friends in the world of mapping technology are creating new products that’ll put mapping systems in touch with cars’ other operating systems (stability control, traction control, antilock brakes) to help them see the road and react accordingly. How sweet is that? OK, it isn’t as exciting as chocolate, but it’s close, right?
“Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are becoming mainstream,” said Jonathon Husby, a vice president for Tele Atlas, a company that’s helping make this convergence of car systems happen. “ADAS is coming of age, and given the fact that about 80 percent of all accidents are due to human error, the need for the technology has never been greater. Drivers face more challenges on the roadways than ever before – more traffic and more rushed, distracted drivers trying to multitask while driving.”
“Consider this scenario: A distracted driver is in an unfamiliar city, and while rushing to an appointment, he's trying to send a text message,” Husby said. “His vehicle’s navigation system had earlier warned him of the need to be in the dedicated right-turn lane in the upcoming intersection where he needs to exit. Attempting a quick lane change, onboard sensors prevent the driver from making a careless mistake, and the vehicle’s ABS system, reacting to road curve data from the vehicle’s navigation system, slows the vehicle to a safe speed. The navigation system then provides the driver a safe alternative to reach his destination on time.”
Just think how much safer this would be for all distracted drivers. Cars are becoming safer as drivers are becoming more dangerous and distracted. We all could use a little help out on the road.
Would that let me nap in the car? It’s no good unless I get to nap.