GM Researching Windshields For Old Drivers

beuges writes "General Motors researchers are working on a high-tech windshield that users lasers and infra-red sensors to identify and enhance important objects for older drivers with vision problems. 'For example, during a foggy drive, a laser projects a blue line onto the windshield that follows the edge of the road. Or if infrared sensors detect a person or animal in the driver's path during a night drive, its outline is projected on the windshield to highlight its location.' And it's not only older drivers who will benefit: 'Some features would be helpful to drivers of all ages. If a driver is speeding, a pink box frames an approaching speed limit sign to draw the driver's attention.' The 65 and older population in the US will nearly double in about 20 years, meaning more people will be struggling to see the road like they used to."

Comments

That is nice..

[nurb432]

But if no one can afford the gas here soon who is going to care?

Sure, safety IS important, but id rather see the billions poured into increasing fuel efficiency ( or ditching fossil fuels totally ) first.

side and rear view mirrors

[Anonymous Coward]

Maybe automakers can work on expanding the field of vision. I still look back over my shoulder before I make a lane change on the highway to see if there's a car in my "blind spot", and every so often I catch one that I didn't see in the mirror. But the ability or willingness to turn around and look may diminish with age.

Speeding Traps

[Klaus_1250]

If a driver is speeding, a pink box frames an approaching speed limit sign to draw the driver's attention

I'd be much more interested if it could point out speed traps to me...

How to eliminate your blind spot.

[CecilPL]

You can eliminate that blind spot by adjusting your driver-side side view mirror so that you can just see the side of your car when your head is against the window. See http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~gdguo/driving/BlindSpot.htm for images.

Re:Why are they allowed to drive in the first plac

[UnderCoverPenguin]

I know, drinking is optional, growing old is not. But if there's a danger to people on the street, there should be a limit on how old you can be and drive, just as there's a limit on how drunk you can be and drive.

Where do you put the limit?

I have one friend in his 30's who lost his license due to too many moving violations. Another in his 90's with a nearfect record. (Though the law where he lives requires him to get a driving exam every two years - actual driving, not just the written exam. He has always scored very high.)

Re:Alerts when speeding?

[Thing 1]

But you would get used to it (if you can teach an old dog new tricks?), just as everything else, most dashes are already obnoxious with lights and gizmo's but you stop noticing at after the first week or so [...]

I had a car with a heads-up display before. It was very helpful, it helped me keep my eyes constantly on the road instead of looking up and down at the instruments. I highly recommend this type of advancement.