Does In-Vehicle Technology Foster a False Sense of Security? 

Embedded computers in vehicles can guide you when backing out of a driveway, warn you if a vehicle or object is in your blind spot, or alert you to unsafe road conditions. Apps can track gas mileage or notify you when your car needs an oil change or other services. Recently, all new cars were required to include electronic stability control, which can assist with steering the car in case of skidding, and backup cameras. Other technologies adjust vehicle speed or headlight usage and can even activate the brakes. All of this technology is intended to make driving safer. Critics of in-vehicle technology claim that it can provide drivers with a false sense of security. If you rely on a sensor for assistance while backing up, parking, or changing lanes, for example, you may miss other obstructions that could cause a crash. Reliance on electronic stability control or other crash-avoidance technologies may cause you to drive faster than conditions allow or to pay less attention to the distance between your vehicle and others. The effect on new, teen drivers is especially of concern. If teens learn to drive using vehicles equipped with features such as video rearview mirrors, they may be unable to drive older, less-equipped vehicles safely. Many apps and devices help parents protect their teens while driving. Apps can program mobile devices to block incoming calls or text messages while the vehicle is moving. GPS can track a vehicle's location and speed. Sensors can monitor seatbelt usage and number of passengers in the vehicle. 

 

(a)  Does in-vehicle technology make driving safer? Why or why not? (15 marks) 

(b) Describe FIVE (5) basic skills that all drivers should have, regardless of their vehicle's technology. 

(a) Yes, in vehicle technology make driving safe as it is having

In-Dash Computers - New powerful computers are available that offer entertainment, GPS, and standard computing options. They come equipped with wireless Bluetooth technology, touch-screen controls and USB ports for adding keyboards to write emails. While they may offer some convenience, trying to read a selection menu on a small in-dash computer screen requires a lot of concentration that should be devoted to the road ahead. Another thing to remember is that, with the exception of GPS and back-up cameras, visual display devices, such as a computers or video players in view of the driver is illegal in many states.

GPS - This is a tremendous technological advance for anyone who travels a lot. Anyone trying to find their way around a strange city knows what a terrific device it can be. However, taking your eyes off the road to read the map or to use the touch screen to punch in a destination can be very distracting. Some GPS systems have an interlock that prevents a driver from entering data while the vehicle is in motion. Experts say that while all GPS devices are distracting the safest devices are the voice activated systems that don't require looking at or touching the screen to program or receive data.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - This system, which will be required standard equipment in all new cars beginning in 2012, uses computers and independent brakes on each wheel to "steer" the car to prevent a skid and, ultimately, a roll over. The drawback in this system is that drivers may feel they can drive faster and take more risks because the ESC is there to keep them from losing control.

Adaptive headlights - These headlights pivot in the direction that a driver is turning allowing them to see objects around a bend sooner. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) cites studies that have shown that drivers on dark curving roads feel they can go faster when the road is equipped with reflectors or other road markers. IIHS feels that adaptive headlights may provide a false sense of security prompting some drivers to drive even faster.

Lane Departure Warning - This system can detect an unintentional lane departure (if the turn signal is not activated) and either vibrates the steering wheel, activates an alarm and in some cases applies the brakes to keep the vehicle within the lane. This will be a terrific lifesaving device as long as drivers don't allow it to substitute for a good night's sleep before hitting the road or feel that they can allow their eyes to wander off the road for longer periods of time.

Blind spot detectors - Mounted on the rear view mirrors, this device signals a driver either by a light, audible tone, or both that another vehicle is in the driver's blind spot. It is normally activated when the driver activates a turn signal. The blind spot detectors are mounted on the rear view mirrors and the IIHS feels that many drivers may ignore them or, in heavy traffic, shut out the constant warnings of vehicles in the blind spot.

(b) 1. Adjust your focal point

2, Braking with antilock brakes

3,Be a defensive driver

4, Operating a manual transmission

5,Get a grip on road rage by taking the road less travelled