With all the information out there about technology that inhibits driver safety, it’s worth taking a look at the other side of things: technology that makes our driving safer. Consider something as accepted as seatbelts! In the history of cars, seat belts are still a relatively new adaptation to cars, keeping driver and passengers that much safer in case of an accident. Let’s take a look at some of the latest tech when it comes to our daily commutes.
GPS
Whether it’s Garmin, Tom-Tom, Google Maps, Apple Maps, or however you endearingly refer to your electronic navigator, GPS mapping apps and devices have changed the way we travel. The cost of technology like this ranges from free apps to aftermarket vehicle additions that range in price. But because of our GPS, you hardly see someone driving around with a map folded out in front of them.
Back-Up Cameras
Once you have one, you won’t know how you went about parallel parking and backing up without one! Back-Up Cameras are an ingenious yet simple solution to our society’s collective neck cramp acquired through the anxiety and irritation of backing up our cars. Particularly because of how high the price tag is if we make a mistake! In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated that all new models are required to have backup cameras installed, meaning that all car companies have between 2016 and 2018 to ensure that all their new cars have a backup camera installed. (source)
Bluetooth
From old-school car-phones to modern day smartphones; now to our petite little earbuds with a signal, we’ve been obsessed for a long time with staying connected while driving. Bluetooth technology has made that habit of ours both hands-free and much safer. It’s pretty inexpensive and available most anywhere, and definitely worth the investment.
Pre-Collision Systems
Cutting edge technology like pre-collision systems is an investment but is a step forward when it comes to driver safety. When an accident is determined by the on-board computer to be unavoidable, it will brake the car and lock up the seat belts, even without the driver initiating any safety protocol. Technology like this can run you up to $4,000, but it you can afford it, it might save your life and those around you.