too, which is where driver-assistance tech comes in.
Many driver-assistance features could serve as the
building blocks for autonomous vehicles someday,
but for now, these features are helping to keep drivers,
passengers and pedestrians
safe on our nation’s
roadways.
Blind-spot monitoring
systems alert drivers to other
vehicles that are lurking in
the blind spot, lane-departure
warning systems tell drivers
that they’re wandering and
lane-keep assist systems
actively work to prevent said
wandering. Meanwhile, rear-
view cameras show drivers
exactly what’s behind their
cars before they reverse, and
rear cross-traffic alert systems
prevent drivers from reversing
into passing vehicles.
Many vehicles on the show
floor also may be available
with other driver-assistance
systems such as forward-
collision warning, which warns of an impending collision
in the forward direction of travel, or automatic emergency
braking, which can detect a possible forward collision
(some systems even detect pedestrians) and apply the
brakes before the driver can. Some cars even have traffic-
sign recognition systems that can read and identify road
signs and display them to driver, thus making it more
likely that
drivers will see
important signs,
such as speed-
limit and stop
signs. A few
vehicles even
offer systems
that detect driver
drowsiness and
suggest a coffee break – Ford, Subaru and Volvo
are among several manufacturers that offer these
systems.
This tech can be life-saving, of course, but there’s
an element of convenience to some of it, as well
– adaptive cruise control keeps a safe following
distance from the vehicle in front, allowing drivers to
be safe while also offering the convenience of cruise
control.
Today’s tech can entertain, increase convenience
and save lives, so what’s the next step? That appears
to be the migration of voice-activated personal-assistance
from the home to the car. Apple’s Siri is already available
in many vehicles, and Amazon’s Alexa is about to follow
suit. Ford and Volkswagen have already announced Alexa
integration, which will be used for weather updates,
navigation and more. That “more” includes being able to
use Alexa to see how much fuel your car has before you
even get in it, or to bring up your calendar for the day.
Microsoft’s Cortana will similarly be available in select
vehicles.
The future is here, and it’s pretty cool.
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW 2017
29
More Car, Les s Money: The LEASE you can do!
