The reality of self-driving cars being commercially available is still a long way in the future. From issues around regulation to software problems to philosophical questions, what’s artificial intelligence to do when faced with a choice like potentially injuring its passengers versus another driver? There are still many issues to be worked out, maybe too many to expect them on the roads within the kind of timelines originally suggested. However, there’s a great deal of related technology that is making getting behind the wheel of your vehicle safer every day, including the innovations below.
In Fleet Management
Safety is a major concern for fleet managers everywhere. An unsafe fleet may run into compliance issues, is costly and can ultimately bring down an entire business. For these reasons, it’s important for fleet managers to harness technology to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Part of this is understanding what causes those accidents in the first place. With tailgating as the top cause of rear-end crashes throughout the country, managers can work with drivers on keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. In addition, AI dash cams can be useful in offering coaching, alerting drivers who are following other vehicles too closely.
Emergency Braking
Every driver has had the harrowing experience of slamming on their brakes without a moment to spare. Automated braking systems can detect the necessity to stop and do it for you. There are many advantages of ABS systems and both front and rear emergency braking systems are effective, particularly when combined with other types of tech, such as parking sensors and rearview cameras. Front automatic braking systems tend to protect more against serious crashes in which there are injuries while rear systems tend to protect more against minor crashes and property damages. Both types of tech contribute substantially to driver safety.
BlindSpot Warning Systems
Another common experience you probably share with most drivers is having another driver cut narrowly in front of you, clearly missing you in their blind spot or being that driver yourself. Blind spot warning systems are another excellent piece of technology that can reduce accidents by alerting you when you are getting ready to change lanes and there is a vehicle that you can’t see in your side or rear mirrors.
Headlights
Headlights that properly illuminate the road are important in preventing nighttime crashes, and slowly, some vehicles are also getting lights that automatically switch between high and low beams. Another innovation is headlights that provide better visibility for the road ahead on curves.
V2V Communication
As exciting as the options for various types of automation that warn about collisions and obstacles are, even more interesting is the promise of vehicle-to-vehicle communication. When both vehicles have the right equipment, they can wirelessly share information with one another, helping them avoid accidents. The information shared includes that which the driver wouldn’t normally be able to see as quickly because of obstacles, weather or for other reasons. Over time, this information sharing may eventually extend to motorcycles, bicycles and even pedestrians, helping to make the roads safer for everyone who uses them.