Published on May 28th, 2017 | by Guest

5 Technological Devices That Have Made Driving Easier For Motorists

Technology has not only changed the world, but it’s also changed our individual lives as well. Despite this fact, it’s still common for people to bad-mouth these achievements. In addition to this, with the news and social media outlets creating speculations about the danger robotics, the achievements are constantly being looked down upon. With all this negativity, it’s easy for people to forget about the perks associated with technology. Therefore, it’s a good idea to take a moment to recognize some key components of the digital age that have helped make our lives easier and more secure right from behind the wheel.

Backup Cameras & Sensors

Most drivers at some point and time have relied on their rearview mirrors to help them spot traffic in areas that they couldn’t easily see. Now, thanks to backup cameras and sensors placed on vehicles, drivers can get a better idea of what’s behind them. The information feeds from the vehicle’s backup camera, then displays onto the vehicle’s dashboard. Cars like the new 2020 Ford Bronco are being developed with color-coded lines camera systems to provide guidance when drivers are parallel parking. As a matter of fact, this iconic 4×4 SUV even allows drivers to see things like small dogs, cats, and rodents, things the rearview mirrors might not catch. Additionally, the backup sensors beep when drivers are getting too close to other objects when they’re in reverse.

Lane Detection Systems

Just as cameras and sensors work on alerting drivers about the objects located behind them, lane detectors work on monitoring the lane markings on the pavement. How does it work? Well, when a driver starts to go over the lines, the detection system alerts them by beeping or giving off tactile warnings, like vibrating the steering wheel or in some cases, the driver’s seat. The technological device even provides instantaneous notifications for the driver to correct their course to prevent an accident from happening. Manufacturers like BMW, Ford, and Tesla are all working on including this new feature into all their vehicles.

Parking Assistance

As most drivers know, parallel parking is a hassle, but having parking assistance makes it so much easier. This handy new technological feature, in fact, steers the car in and out of parallel parking spaces for you. Which means, if you’re a smaller person sitting behind the wheel of a bigger vehicle (like a pickup truck or the new Bronco), you’ll have an extra set of eyes monitoring your every move. The system even operates the foot pedals for the driver as well. The in-vehicle technology works by scanning the space around the car to guide it perfectly into a parking space.

Emergency Response Software Updates

When most people think of an emergency response software, they envision a computer monitor being connected to someone after a tragic accident. In this case, however, the emergency response software is used to notify the driver about possible maintenance issues. Cars that get emergency software updates not only shrink the gap between the driver’s car and the dealer, but it also stands on the front line of improved road safety.

In fact, the software is so well designed it even comes equipped with emergency lighting. No, these aren’t the same light features used by officials for educational campuses, health care facilities, and other building locations. Instead, these emergency strobe lights were designed to let other drivers know ahead of time that a vehicle was stranded on the road. Therefore, manufacturers can help minimize the number of accidents that occur every year. The best part: while the driver sits and waits, the vehicle locates the nearest tow truck company and/or fire station (depending on the emergency), and contacts it for help. Depending on the driver’s location, the software can also find a professional mechanic who specializes in the vehicle’s make and model. Pretty cool, right?

Automatic Brake Systems

Thanks to sensors, vehicles can now detect when a driver is about to collide with the car in front of them. Automatic braking technologies combine both sensors and brake controls to help prevent accidents from happening. Some high-tech braking systems can, in fact, prevent accidents from happening altogether, but most are designed to simply help the driver reduce the speed of the car before colliding with an object.

In addition to automatic brakes relying on sensor data, some brake systems can also make use of GPS data. In other words, if a vehicle has an accurate GPS system and access to a database, it can activate the automatic brakes, if for some reason the driver fails to stop in time.

Remember: As a driver, it’s important to be respectful when operating a motor vehicle. Although people won’t expect it, doing this will help create a safe environment for everyone around you. Technology is the auto industry is designed to help drivers, not distract them. That being said, follow the safety rules and drive safely.

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Thanks for taking time out of your day to read my article! Do you know of any other technological devices that have made driving easier and/or safer for motorist and pedestrians? Feel free to leave a comment below.

About the author:

Cody Hill is a freelance writer who loves watching baseball (Go Cubs!). If you can’t find him online, you might be able to catch outside exploring the wilderness or reading up on the latest gadgets. Thanks!

Tags: devices, driving, easier, motorists, technological