| April 13th, 2009 by admin |
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Some Popular Technologies For Improved Driver Safety
Some Popular Technologies For Improved Driver Safety
Automakers continue to push the envelope by designing their vehicles to be safer for drivers and passengers. In the past, seat belts and airbags were the primary means by which motorists were protected from injury. Today, a number of new – and maturing – technologies offer far greater levels of safety. In this article, we’ll explore 4 popular safety systems that new cars, trucks, and SUVs are being outfitted with on the factory floor.
#1 – Collision Avoidance Systems
Putting your car on cruise control eliminates the chore of manually maintaining your speed during long stretches. The problem is that older systems didn’t compensate for slower vehicles in your lane. You were forced to manually engage your brakes in order to avoid making contact. Today’s cruise control systems are designed to help drivers avoid collisions. Internal sensors and radar identify other motorists in your lane and make automatic adjustments to the throttle.
#2 – Tire Pressure Sensors
Years ago, the NHTSA mandated that all vehicles weighing less than five tons must be built with sensors that monitor tire pressure. If the pressure in any of your vehicle’s tires declines past a predefined level, a warning indicator will display on your dash. Most motorists tend to ignore their tires. This technology spurs their action.
#3 – Rear-View Cameras
Every car has blind spots which increase with a vehicle’s size. For example, the driver’s blind spot in a Ford Excursion will be significantly larger than that in a Toyota Corolla. Back-up accidents have caused hundreds of deaths, leading automakers to outfit their larger models with rear-view cameras. The cameras monitor objects that lie within your blind spot and trigger an audible warning if contact is imminent.
#4 – Brake System Assistance
Anti-lock brake systems are designed to help drivers stop their cars quickly without accidentally locking their brakes, and losing traction and control. A growing number of vehicles are being equipped with advanced brake technology which provides an extra level of assistance. It monitors the braking actions of the motorist. If an emergency is detected (for example, slamming the brake pedal to the floor), the technology applies extra pressure to reduce the distance required to stop.
Advanced Technology For A Safer Driving Experience
During the next few years, we’ll likely see a slew of new technologies that aim to improve driver safety. Automakers are moving aggressively to deliver a more comfortable driving experience with added protection. Lane departure warnings, electronic stability control, and improved airbag design are merely the beginning. Many of the most popular automotive safety systems once seemed peculiar, but are now commonplace. So, too, will tomorrow’s ideas seem odd, yet eventually provide a safer driving experience.
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