Innovative Technologies That Have Transformed How Cars Work
When Henry Ford was designing the Ford Model T at the start of the 20th century, he aimed to make an affordable, durable, and easy-to-use vehicle. Modern car manufacturers have focused on that goal, too, and have been using innovative technologies to achieve it. Thanks to technology, modern cars are safer, easier to use, and comfier. Let’s look at five innovative technologies that have transformed how cars work.
1. Teen Driver Technology
Thanks to teen driver technology, parents can now have parental control over their teens’ cars. Many cars now come with teen driver mode which parents can activate when their teenagers are driving. The technology sends alerts to the parent’s phone in case of careless driving or overspeeding. It can also switch off the stereo until safety belts are on or keep the stereo volume within the judicial limits.
2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Of the 6,420,000 auto accidents that happen annually in the U.S., 98% are caused by human error. Although cars have become easier to drive, our reflexes and urge to follow road regulations lag. That’s where Advanced Driver Assistance Systems come in. These technologies reduce the driver’s input in the driving process and decide what is good on the road.
They combine sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to collect and provide information that the car’s computer uses to make decisions. ADAS prevents deaths and injuries by reducing car accidents and the impact of those that can’t be avoided. ADAS systems include lane departure warning/correction and pedestrian detection/avoidance.
3. Predictive Technology
Predictive technology makes cars smarter, safer, and easier to drive. The car can monitor its engine, wheels, braking systems, and surroundings through an interconnected system of sensors and a computer system. The computer processor uses real-time information to predict what can happen in the future and prepare the car to handle any eventualities.
For instance, the computer may warn the driver if it senses objects near the car and brake automatically to avoid collisions. Such a feature could be a life-saver in cars with big blind spots like SUVs and some Toyota van models, especially when a driver is backing out of a driveway. The technology would help the driver know if a child or pet was at risk.
4. Smartphone Integration
Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives but have led to many fatal accidents on the road. Smartphone integration technologies connect smartphones with car controls and voice commands, so the driver can still use the phone while focusing on driving. Thanks to technologies like Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, a driver can make and receive calls, text, stream audio and videos, and locate destinations without touching their phones.
5. Automatic Liftgate
It’s frustrating to try opening the liftgate when your hands are full. But you won’t have to do it any longer thanks to automatic liftgate technology. With the tech, you only need to wave your leg under the sensors on the car’s rear and the liftgate opens automatically. Other manufacturers have improved the feature by including a sensor on the electronic key fob that communicates with the sensors in the car to open the liftgate when you get close enough.