Cars. They are a prime example of how far human engineering and innovation have come. Forgotten are the days of horse-drawn carriages and week-long migration walks. Today, we can easily cover great distances in a small amount of time without having to expend much energy. Because of this, we are now able to increase our productivity and still have time to nurture other aspects of our lives.
But, as with any other advantage, there will always be a corresponding price to pay. In this case, besides money, car owners are expected to pay attention to the responsible use of these prime examples of engineering acumen. This is only right because failure to exercise good judgment not only puts your own life at risk, but even worse, it puts the lives of others in danger.
And as is our human nature, we are constantly looking for ways to improve on the technology that we currently have. This trend can be seen in almost every industry, be it in the smartphone industry, Information Technology, or car manufacturing.
So, what exactly are the car safety trends that we can expect out of 2019? Read on, dear reader:
Facial Recognition Software
A trending piece of tech in the smartphone industry is set to make an appearance in the car industry. The use of retinal scanners and facial recognition sensor arrays will not only have security functions, they can also be applied as a safety measure in ensuring driver attentiveness.
This is technology that is already in use, as seen in some of Cadillac’s new models. The software watches the driver’s face, particularly the eyes, to see if they are focused on the road. If the system detects that the driver is unattentive, an alert will be triggered. Not only that, but this system can also serve as evidence in determining culpability (or innocence) in case of an accident. Of course, you’re going to need expert legal help from professionals like this Gainesville Car Accident Attorney to help put that evidence to effective use.
Forward Collision Warning System (FCW)
With the use of radars, lasers, or a combination of both, the forward collision warning system is able to detect if the distance between the car and another vehicle ahead is closing rapidly. It then triggers a warning on the dashboard or can also trigger an alert klaxon.
Automatic Emergency Brake System (AEB)
This system is often paired with an FCW and as the name suggests, is programmed to apply brakes if it detects an impending collision. The AEB system is triggered when the FCW is triggered. Though, it’s also important to note that not all FCWs are paired with AEBs for the reason that many alert drivers may have already assessed the situation properly and a sudden change in vehicle speed may cause more harm than good.
Lane Departure Warning System (LDW)
Lane demarcations are there for an important reason. They are guides that ensure the safety of everyone on the road. To move astray from these markings is a dangerous thing to do. This system monitors whether or not the car is moving within the boundaries of the lane. When the car does not, the system then alerts the driver, either through sound or in some cases, through haptics (vibrating driver’s seat).
