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Automated Driving: How Cars Will One Day Drive Themselves

Have you ever glanced at the driver behind you and noticed that person was shaving or putting on makeup behind the wheel? Or worse, perhaps he or she was reading the newspaper while cruising along the highway. As dangerous as such habits are today, we may one day be able to do them without sacrificing our safety or the safety of other drivers. In the not-so-distant future, vehicles will drive themselves.

Even though it seems implausible, the technology that will allow our cars to navigate the highways and avoid collisions without our input already exists. Automakers continue to develop systems that let vehicles communicate with each other while on the road. Collision avoidance systems and smart cruise control are merely the beginning. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the ways in which automotive technology is making the implausible a reality.

Communication Between Cars And Roads

Many vehicles already use sensors to help their drivers avoid colliding with other cars. For example, lane-change warning systems will alert the driver that there is another vehicle within a blind spot. In some cases, the system will even trigger an evasive response (for example, engaging the brakes).

Major cities employ a robust communication network through which traffic can be managed efficiently and congestion can be minimized. Over the next several years, we’re likely to see increased integration between automotive computers and this highway infrastructure.

Smart Cruising

Smart cruise control devices have been around for years, but the technology behind them is still expanding. The most recent improvements allow the motorist to cede braking and acceleration control to the computer while cruising. If a vehicle ahead slows and as a result, the distance between it and the driver shortens, the computer will engage the brakes automatically. When the car ahead accelerates and the space between widens, the computer engages the throttle. That relieves the motorist of the responsibility of slowing down and speeding up, especially useful during stop-and-go traffic.

Compensation For Drifting

Motorists often drift unintentionally across lane dividers. This can lead to traffic collisions as other drivers brake, swerve, or otherwise try to avoid the drifter. Automakers have begun installing warning systems that alert the person behind the wheel if they’re drifting. Cameras and sensors will monitor that the vehicle is moving over the lane markers without the appropriate turn indicator being engaged. An audible alarm will sound. If it is ignored, the computer can engage one of the brakes to move the vehicle back into the lane from which it’s drifting.

While automated driving may be several years down the road, the basic technology already exists. The main obstacle to widespread adoption is cost. As with most automotive technologies, the features will first be installed in high-end cars and then gradually expanded into the mass market. One day, we may watch other drivers shaving or applying makeup while sitting behind the wheel and think nothing of it.

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The Changing Landscape Of Automotive Safety

Over a decade ago, all vehicles were tested for driver safety by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIFHS). The goal was simple: to identify models that offered less than adequate protection for motorists in the event of a collision. When the tests were first launched, the results were startling; dozens of models failed.

Since then, auto manufacturers have devoted their resources toward building vehicles that protect drivers and passengers from collision impact. In effect, automotive safety has become a priority. Today’s article will address upon how the industry is shifting their focus. I’ll describe the two-pronged approach taken by automakers as well as new advances in braking technology.

A Shift In Focus

When the IIFHS’s tests debuted, they focused mainly on frontal impacts. At the time, evidence suggested that frontal crashes caused a greater proportion of injuries and fatalities. That has changed. As a result of the mandated installment of airbags in vehicles over the last decade, fewer serious injuries and deaths are caused by front collisions. The focus has moved to side impacts.

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and IIFHS now test vehicles for their ability to protect passengers from side collisions. While these type of accidents happen less frequently than frontal impacts, a larger portion of vehicular deaths are attributable to them. By conducting rigorous safety tests, the NHTSA and IIFHS hope to encourage automakers to install side airbags that offer better head protection.

Protection Versus Prevention

The automotive industry is pursuing driver safety on two paths. While car manufacturers are installing better impact protection measures (i.e. airbags), they are also developing collision prevention systems. Lane-change warning devices, electronic stability control, advanced cruise control, and other devices seek to manage the risk of traffic accidents.

One of the advantages of taking the prevention route is that such systems do not require platform modifications. Automakers can install preventative devices without changing the structural design of their fleets.

Advance In Braking Technology

The technology behind anti-lock brakes has expanded rapidly. Even though millions of drivers own cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, few truly understand how they work. Unfortunately, that prevents motorists from using them effectively when a collision is imminent. Car manufacturers are now designing braking systems that can “sense” when a motorist wants to aggressively apply the brakes, but is tentative. In the event of a looming accident, the ABS will trigger the brakes fully even if the driver does not actively engage them.

Driver safety remains a top priority for auto manufacturers. Even as vehicles become more advanced, the potential for accident-related injuries and fatalities is always present. By pursuing measures that are both protective and preventative, automakers can design vehicles that give motorists peace of mind.

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What To Do When You’re Involved In A Fender Bender

Being involved in a traffic collision can be extremely unnerving. It may be difficult to think clearly as you try to collect your thoughts and check whether you’re injured. It’s important that you know what steps to take in order to make sure the event is documented properly and you can follow up with the other driver. If you have never been involved in a fender bender, use the following tips as a blueprint to guide you through the experience.

Keep Your Thoughts To Yourself

A lot of motorists are tempted to absorb responsibility for the car accident, even if fault lies with the other driver. It’s fine to ask the other person if they’re injured, but avoid discussing the accident until the police arrive. That will give you time to clear your thoughts so you can provide an accurate account.

Take Pictures And Notes

Photograph both vehicles. Ideally, the photos should clearly show any damaged parts on your car and the positions of the vehicles in relation to the road. That will provide context. When you contact your insurance company, the photographs will help validate your claims.

Also, write down any notes that seem relevant; you may be unable to recall certain details later. If anybody who is not involved with the accident witnessed it, collect their contact information.

File A Traffic Accident Report

It’s helpful to complete a police report, even if you and the other driver are uninjured. Not only does the report document the event, but it can often help accelerate the response from your insurance company.

Get The Other Driver’s Information

Getting the contact information of the other motorist is essential if you intend to follow up later. Ask for the person’s name, phone number, address, and insurance policy number. You’ll also want to have their driver’s license number. Finally, if the other person doesn’t own the car, ask how they are related to the owner and ask for the owner’s contact information.

Review Your Auto Insurance Policy

You should have a basic understanding about what your auto insurance policy covers before you’re involved in a collision. Take the time to review your policy. Does it cover a rental car and tow truck? Does it cover your car in the event the other driver is uninsured? At the very least, know where your policy is so you can quickly contact your insurance company to start the claims process.

One last note about getting into fender benders: if the damage is minor, it’s tempting to settle the matter privately rather than contacting your auto insurance provider. That can leave you vulnerable. The other motorist might change his mind and contact his provider, making up details that are inaccurate. If your carrier is unable to determine what truly happened, you may become exposed to a lawsuit. Play it safe and report the incident to your auto insurance provider. The extra time you spend is a good investment for peace of mind.

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