Automotive technology has come a long way since the first concept car was built in the 1700s. New innovations have been exploding onto the scene at a rapid pace since then. Cars are becoming more capable of assisting drivers in all aspects of their driving experiences as well. These are some of the technologies that have hit the scene recently.
1. Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control came about over the past few years and is an excellent upgrade to standard cruise control. Adaptive cruise control has a feature that enables the vehicle to slow down swiftly and speed up according to a pre-determined following distance. This technology has done wonders to protect drivers from getting into accidents. Millions of people sustain injuries on the highway yearly, and every little attempt to make the roadways safer is a huge plus.
2. Lane Departure Warning
Lane departure warning is a god-send for exhausted drivers worldwide. It also helps people who have to take long trips. The feature alerts the driver with a loud sound, light, or vibration when the vehicle swerves in the lane. The driver then regains alertness and corrects the issue.
3. Lane-Keeping Assistance
Lane-keeping assistance usually works with the lane departure warning system. It goes the extra mile and helps the driver get back into the lane from which he or she strayed. You might be interested in this feature if you have long rides to work or travel a lot by yourself. It can help you avoid having to deal with a lawsuit, too. The statute of limitations for driving incidents in Texas in two years. Thus, you might have to worry for two whole years if you get into an accident in the state. Having these features can help you avoid all such incidents.
4. Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking is exactly what it sounds like. The vehicle has a set of sensors that can pick up objects and people in the way. If the system senses a near accident, the braking system will stop the vehicle. It’s like mechanical assistance for emergencies and can be a real lifesaver if anything happens. It can be useful if someone ever lacks the reaction time to stop the vehicle quickly enough.
5. Cameras
More vehicles are being crafted with cameras that give a view of the entire road as well as the vehicle’s surroundings. These cameras cut down on accidents and leave lots of evidence for theft and vandalism incidents. Even the police are starting to use cruiser vehicles with cameras. In 2000, only 11% of police used cars with cameras. That figure has since blown up to a whopping 72%. If the police force uses them, that should be a cue for you to consider purchasing a car with the feature.
6. Autonomy
Some cars are now capable of driving on their own. The feature still requires drivers to stay alert and keep their hands near the wheels. However, the most intricate of the newer vehicles have an autonomy feature that can help when a driver wants to relax. This option is available mostly in all-electric high-end vehicles.
You can add it to your package for additional pay, which might add up to several thousand dollars. However, you’ll be one of the first people to try out this exciting new feature. Consider inquiring about it the next time you want to purchase a vehicle.
This list is not at all exhaustive. Many more features exist in cars today. It’s up to you to find the best fit for you and your family. Ask your sales rep to explain your vehicle’s features and benefits.