Future Car Safety Tech

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Training Wheels for Human Error

For over 100 years, the biggest problems with automobiles are related to the fact that human beings drive them. We are far from perfect and the number one reason for most auto accidents comes down to human error.  But technology is coming that will greatly reduce the number of accidents that occur. 

Vehicle safety devices have evolved from simple seat belts and air bags, to anti-lock brake systems (ABS), to a whole new world of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) that are available on today's cars in an effort to improve safety. These systems use video cameras, various sensors, radar, lidar and other technologies to help prevent injury and death due to car accidents. ADAS systems are evolving fast and currently include pedestrian detection and avoidance; lane departure warning and lane-keep assist; traffic sign recognition; adaptive cruise control; automatic emergency braking; blind spot detection and monitoring; and parking assist. Put all of these driver assist features together and you have the beginning of autonomous driving. This kind of technology allows the vehicle to detect when other objects such as cars, trucks, animals and people are getting too close to our cars and then works to brake when necessary or even maneuver the vehicle out of the way of danger. 
New Roads 
Remarkable new technologies are being developed and will soon be available to further reduce the chance of having a car accident. With the development of machine learning and artificial intelligence, cars will soon be equipped with systems that can interpret complex driving situations and react to different driving scenarios, thus avoiding potential accidents. Vehicles will be able to scan and react to driving situations in real time, constantly monitoring what is around your car and react appropriately to keep you cushioned in a bubble of safety.  

Biometrics 
Safety begins when you unlock your car. Biometric sensing tech will identify you with the use of facial recognition and your fingerprint that will be integrated into the ignition system. A facial scan (like similar systems in smartphones) will unlock your car and allow you to drive it. Once the biometric system recognizes you, it will also automatically set up the vehicle for your specified settings for personalized seating positions, climate control settings, and infotainment preferences. 

The system will log the preferences of each authorized user without compromising security. AI and machine learning will help to enhance biometrics to eliminate cybersecurity threats. German automakers BMW is currently using voice recognition as part of its Intelligent Personal Assistant to access control using natural language commands. Hyundai has introduced fingerprint recognition in some of its models. 
Ultimately, biometrics will ensure a seamless access to vehicles, with no need for traditional keys, greatly reducing the danger of car theft. Besides security, biometric tech will be able to monitor the driver's pulse and heart rate through eye tracking for indications of fatigue or distracted driving and produce alerts or warnings. In cases where the driver does not respond to prompts, the car may even be able to take control and pull safely to the side of the road to alert paramedics. 

Car companies such as Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen are all currently looking into biometrics. 

Hive Mind (V2X) 
Vehicle-to-everything technology (V2X) involves the use of the car's various sensors and wireless connectivity to communicate with other vehicles, sharing real-time information with other drivers, other vehicles, traffic lights, and even police. This tech will someday create a sort of "hive mind" for vehicles to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents. Imagine if all smart vehicles could sync up, using their various sensors such as cameras, radar and Lidar to add information to the overall traffic grid. V2X tech will not only reduce the chance of accidents but improve overall fuel efficiency. Auto industry analyst Maite Bezarra told the New York Times recently, "There are so many accidents today that could be prevented and with advanced warnings of traffic jams and red lights reducing sudden braking, fuel efficiency will also be improved." 
V2X communication technology could revolutionize safety on the road. When cars can communicate with each other and surrounding infrastructure regarding real-time positioning and speed, autonomous systems will work together, sharing changing traffic conditions and potential hazards. With all this in mind, cybersecurity will be of the utmost importance. The interconnectivity of V2X tech will make cars targets for cyberattacks. Over-the-air updates and rolling encryption will help reduce such threats. This technology is currently being pioneered by Toyota, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz. 


Augmented Reality 
As we enter a driving landscape in which driverless vehicles communicate in a seamless manner to enhance safe travel, augmented reality (AR) technology may be used in concert with advanced heads-up display to project important trip information onto the windshield. This might include trip information, suggestions for side trips or interesting sights, nearby restaurants, motels, and the closest charging stations.Automakers such as BMW, Ford, General Motors and Jaguar are working on augmented reality windshields. 

Plugged-in Maintenance 
Cars will monitor their own systems to alert drivers when maintenance needs to be scheduled or advise when a part or component is likely to fail. This will greatly reduce breakdowns on the road and hopes to eliminate accidents due to mechanical failure. When your future car tells you it is time for service, Lithia Motors will be there for you. But by then, your car will probably drive itself to one of our service centers.Â