MSNBC.com reports automotive developers are advancing safety systems using the GPS system and advanced WiFi signals in an effort to have safer roads. The plan is to allow the system in one car to communicate with the system in another car on the road. This would allow cars to send a message warning the driver of potential crashes. The advanced systems could warn drivers through beeping sounds and flashing red lights on the dashboard.
Ford is already testing the technology for the Washington Auto Show in the nation’s capitol for policy makers and journalist. This technology would send out multiple messages per second about the vehicles, speed, brakes, steering and the vehicles location. If a hazard is detected, the vehicle would warn the driver of the potential hazard. The proposed technology would be aimed to prevent collisions involving changing lanes, coming up upon a stalled vehicle, or driving into an intersection in which a red light or a stop sign is ignored.
This technology has been in the works by automakers for nearly a decade, with several makers coming together, including General Motors, Toyota, Daimler and others. This technology is still estimated to take five to ten years to make it to your local dealer lot. Ford officials estimate that this technology, if installed on enough vehicles, could save up to 30,000 people who are killed each year on the nation’s highways.
Some of the current crash avoidance systems use radar systems located in the front or back of the vehicle. Ford believes the GPS/WiFi systems are more cost efficient and can be more accurate in detecting movements surrounding the vehicles, including conditions along roads where a driver’s vision might be hindered or in side crashes involving a car that runs a red light. Ford says that because of the extensive availability of GPS and WiFi, this could allow car companies to install the technology on vehicles already in the fleet.
Related posts:
- Vehicles That Can Determine if Driver is Drunk Federal officials are researching an alcohol-detection model that uses automatic sensors to immediately tell a driver’s ability to be on...
- Ford Ranger Part Recall Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have recalled over 26, 000 vehicles. This recall involves the 2011 Ford Ranger, including the...
- New Car Technology Car technology is advancing at amazing speed so its no surprise when something cool turns up on the next model...
- Attention Ford F-150 Owners The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Ford is recalling over 350,000 F-150 pick up trucks in North America....
- Is the Size of Your Car Safe? According to a recent report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, deaths are more likely in smaller cars. SUV...