How Computers Are Changing Driver’s Safety

Featured article by Jeremy Sutter, Independent Technology Writer

Computers are being implemented in several ways to make driving a safer venture for all of us in the future. There are several technological features in vehicles that are currently and will be used in the future to make the vehicle you purchase the safest it can be for your family.

Mirrorless Cars

Camera companies have made great strides in the last decade and in some cases work better than a traditional mirror. Cameras are now able to produce a wider angle view of your surroundings as you drive in real time. This step forward in technology makes your drive safer because you are more aware of your surroundings. Typically, it is the other vehicles on the road we need to be worried about more so than our own. This type of computer enhancement increases the driver’s capabilities and allows them more control.

AutoPilot

Companies like Tesla are already implementing this type of computer programming in their cars. The Tesla will actually dive all on its own, switching lanes and everything. This type of technology could potentially be used along with the driver so that two entities are paying attention to the road rather than one. Have you ever looked down for half a second and looked back up to only have missed the car in front of you by an inch? An autopilot function could alleviate that type of stressful situation. If you look away from the road momentarily, the other driver will still have its eyes wide open.

Heads Up Display

Speaking of keeping your eyes on the road, many companies have started using this type of holographic technology to keep you looking at the road rather than down into the dash. When driving at 75 miles per hour, looking down even momentarily can be incredibly dangerous. The new heads up display systems show you your dashboard information as translucent holograms on your windshield. The split second keeps drivers eyes on the road and could save people from crashes or where other drivers make abrupt stops.

Lane Departure Warning

If you are susceptible to nodding off while you drive, this computer function is the safety feature you have been waiting for. Have you ever been jolted to a near heart attack by the loud vibrating sound of those indentions on the side of the road? It happens to the best of us when being forced to drive at the late hours of the evening. For those who have late commutes home or groggy early morning drives to work, a warning system to tell you when you are leaving your lane may be life saving. Many high-end vehicles are currently implementing features such as this to keep their customers safe on the road. A seat vibration, an alarm to notify you, and in some cases the car actually corrects your steering so that you do not go off the road. No matter the hour at which you drive you should always be as safe as possible.

Blind Zone Alert/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Parking lots seem to be some of the most dangerous areas to drive because of the amount of people around. With many new vehicles, there are safety functions that alert the driver of surrounding vehicles in the way of you backing up. Have you ever been backing out of a parking space only to have to slam on you breaks as a car rushes behind you? Well there are sensors in new models of vehicles that tell the computer within your car to stop or to warn you of your endangerment. Computer technology also allows drivers to be less blind when driving on the highway. If your blinker is on and there is an approaching vehicle, then the car will alert you to the oncoming traffic.

The modern age is wonderful and computers have truly changed the world for the better. The modern vehicle is capable of more than some ever could have imagined and the limitations are being pushed daily. However, there is no substitution for a cautious and safe driver. If you feel that you could improve as a driver, then you should take defensive driving courses to improve your abilities and increase your safety on the road.