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Smart Cars to Save Stupid Drivers?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the soon-we'll-blame-the-cars-for-that-too dept.

bl8n8r writes "Ford spokesman Mike Vaughn said they tested computerized optical scanning and a variety of warnings: a vibrating steering wheel, the sound of a car driving over rumble strips and a visual warning projected on the windshield. Researchers also tested a so-called "active" system in which the vehicle would actually adjust the steering automatically if it veered too far one way or the other."

7 of 476 comments (clear)

  1. Smart Cars to Save Wealthy Drivers... by garcia · · Score: 5, Funny

    Spinella said automakers have studied systems that use cameras to scan drivers' eyes or sense when they're loosening their grip on the steering wheel beyond normal.

    What's normal? I routinely drive w/o my hands on the wheel. I also tend to take "half-naps" by closing one eye. If it doesn't learn my behavior how is it going to work for me?

    It will be offered this fall on 2005 models of Infiniti's FX sport utility vehicle, then again next spring on the 2006 M45 luxury sedan.

    Apparently only those wealthy enough can afford to be saved while the rest of the 1500 people a year that croak because of drowsy driving have to suffer.

    Bah!

    1. Re:Smart Cars to Save Wealthy Drivers... by modecx · · Score: 5, Funny

      You've not seen anything till you've seen a guy steering with one knee, other foot on the gas...Playing a FLUTE...passing you on the shoulder.

      Kid you not.

      --
      Constitutional rights may be respected, repealed, or modified; but they must never be ignored.
  2. Stupidity 198823, Engineers 42 by onyxruby · · Score: 5, Funny
    Doomed to failure. Trying to pit engineering against the almighty demon known as human stupidity. The poor engineers don't stand a chance. Time for my favorite Einstein quote.
    Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.
    /me still bitter about the driver of a full size truck that rear-ended me on the freeway because he was looking at a tow truck in the ditch and not the road. He wasn't malicious, he was just plain stupid, and no avoidance system could have prevented it.
  3. All it needs to detect is.... by Chris_Stankowitz · · Score: 5, Funny
    Estrogen levels!!!!

    /ducks

  4. Warning ! by AtariAmarok · · Score: 5, Funny

    Coming from the Onstar speaker: "You are approaching 88 mph. Your flux capacitor is set to Europe at the time of the Black Plague. Are you REALLY SURE you want to take the DeLorean there?"

    --
    Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
  5. Finally! by Shaper+of+Myths · · Score: 5, Funny

    Researchers also tested a so-called "active" system in which the vehicle would actually adjust the steering automatically if it veered too far one way or the other."

    Finally!

    Now when I'm talking on my phone, reading the newspaper, and eating breakfast on the way to work, I can look down to pick a DVD or refresh /. without worrying about being a hazard anymore!

  6. C172 by MisanthropicProgram · · Score: 5, Funny

    I found out the hard way that a C172 has a stall condition warning - it would go into a dive and my pants get really wet!