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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."

6 of 476 comments (clear)

  1. Not sure how it relates... by paranode · · Score: 4, Informative

    But in Texas, all of the major highways have a specific kind of etching on each side of the road in the pavement. When you go over this with your tire, it creates a really loud noise that vibrates the entire car. It would wake up just about anybody, and I think it's been around for a good number of years.

    So if this is what they're talking about, it's pretty effective I think.

    1. Re:Not sure how it relates... by BlackHorse · · Score: 2, Informative

      They're called rumble strips, and are a feature found on nearly every interstate and major highway that has had some work done to it in recent times. They are very effective at getting your attention if you drift.

    2. Re:Not sure how it relates... by red+floyd · · Score: 3, Informative

      That's what Bott's Dots are for.

      --
      The only reason we have the rights we have is that people just like us died to gain those rights. -- Cheerio Boy
  2. Re:So what if it screws up? by wampus · · Score: 2, Informative

    I HATE ABS ever since driving my parents' Suburban a few years back. Going down a cetain hill that ends in a T intersection (and a pond) would always kick the ABS on, and stopping became VERY difficult and scary. Seems GM should have detected more anomalies.

  3. Re:You know what would work even better? by Moofie · · Score: 2, Informative

    Trust me, you don't want to work with me after I've ridden my bike or walked to work unless there are showers on the premises.

    Train and bus service in my area is a joke.

    I love mass transit, and human powered systems...when and if they are practical. Which in many cases in this country, they are not.

    --
    Why yes, I AM a rocket scientist!
  4. Re:Smart Cars to Save Wealthy Drivers... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    That is a urban legend....

    www.snopes.com