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GM Researching Windshields For Old Drivers

Posted by timothy on from the how-about-a-high-beam-blocker-for-everyone dept.

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."

13 of 362 comments (clear)

  1. Alerts when speeding? by 427_ci_505 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Because what all drivers need, are distracting colors at high speed.

    1. Re:Alerts when speeding? by Haeleth · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Entirely without reference to speed limits: if you're driving so fast that you couldn't handle a pink box around a road sign, then you're driving faster than you're capable of driving, and you should stop being an idiot and slow the fuck down before you kill someone.

    2. Re:Alerts when speeding? by Aladrin · · Score: 4, Insightful

      My first thought was actually: How many will claim their windshield told them to drive that way?

      "I didn't pay attention to the sign because my windshield didn't say it was important."

      "I ran off the road because my windshield said the line went that way."

      etc.

      It's a neat idea, but only if it's absolutely perfect. And is -anything- perfect?

      --
      "If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you." - DM
    3. Re:Alerts when speeding? by joocemann · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Entirely without reference to speed limits: if you're driving so fast that you couldn't handle a pink box around a road sign, then you're driving faster than you're capable of driving, and you should stop being an idiot and slow the fuck down before you kill someone.

      Or the sheer fact that it is designed "...for older drivers with vision problems".

      WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY DOING DRIVING? I'm one of those people who think moving a large heavy object at relatively high speeds around other objects and PEOPLE is a potential THREAT and ought to be considered a privilege.

      If they have vision problems, helping them to continue lying to themselves about their validity as a driver is not the answer. The answer is to pull their license.

      There are many reasons why an unfit driver can convince themselves to keep driving: Pride, embarrassment, a hazy concept of rights, or possibly it all came on so slowly they don't even realize it...

      Maybe this idea will help some people, but what happens when the device fails and they're on the freeway doing 65mph? What happens when the previously unfit driver, now fit by device, becomes unfit due to failure? Do they pull over and call for backup? Does the car automatically shut down? No... In reality they will probably keep driving, unfit for the task, and may or may not get the device repaired most likely depending on if they can afford it.

      Are we going to set up a device-functionality bureau to make sure all these people still get to drive and that the devices are working? Lets get a grip on reality people. NOT EVERYONE ON THE PLANET IS CAPABLE OF DOING EVERYTHING THERE IS TO DO. GET REAL.

  2. There are even more features by Minwee · · Score: 4, Funny

    When you approach a street hockey game, the Super Windshield will also highlight the puck with a blue line when it is being passed and a red line when somebody takes a shot on the net.

  3. Re:Why are they allowed to drive in the first plac by excalibur4life · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Exactly. I mean, if someone needs technology like "headlights" to help them seeing at night, I don't want to drive anywhere NEAR them. Give me a dark, manly road any day.

  4. Re:Just older drivers? by arth1 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I think they would benefit more by learning to adjust the speed and how their vehicles actually handle in inclement weather.
    Being able to better see the car in front of you isn't all that useful if you still aren't able to see the deer crossing the road. In fact, I think it could increase dangers, by making people drive faster than they otherwise would.

  5. Prototype display by nacturation · · Score: 5, Funny

    You can find a prototype of the display at this link. It's also handy for identifying makes of motorcycles and correct sizes of biker clothing.
     

    --
    Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
  6. pink box by Mr.+Flibble · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't know about the rest of you, but a "pink box" by the side of the road would cause me to not just slow down, but stop and offer it a ride.

    --
    Try to hack my 31337 firewall!
  7. Re:Drive to conditions by amRadioHed · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Using technology to compensate for human frailty is asking for trouble

    So we should get rid of the engine then, right?

    --
    We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace
  8. Re:Drive to conditions by thrillseeker · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Using technology to compensate for human frailty is asking for trouble.

    Damn those eyeglasses, eh - if you don't have 20/20 vision naturally, you shouldn't be driving ...

    Power steering? Blah - work out in the gym - discard the technology.

    Windscreens? Forget it - only wimps can't carry on a safe comfortable drive with bugs smashing into their teeth all day long at 60 mph.

    Motorcycle helmets and leathers? - only for wusses, of course. And, geez, what about those fighter pilots that wear g-suits - if they can't strain hard enough naturally without having a stroke while pulling 9 Gs for 30 seconds, then they should get out of the cockpit.

    Come to think of it, that's what technology is - compensating for our inability to be from Krypton.

  9. How to eliminate your blind spot. by CecilPL · · Score: 5, Interesting

    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.

  10. Re:For older drivers, this is the wrong solution. by markdavis · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If the speed limit is 60, 65, or 70, and that person can't drive (at least) the speed limit, then they really shouldn't be on the road, regardless of the lane.

    People are absolutely obsessed with speed as if it is the ultimate safety no-no. The amount of speed is rarely the cause of an accident (it can make an accident worse, though). It is the DIFFERENCE in speed that is much more important. If the regular flow of traffic is 75 and there is someone insisting on driving 55, then it is a great safety hazard. Now everyone has to pass, if they can. If they can't, then they get annoyed and start doing stupid things, like not leaving proper following distance, swerving, passing on the shoulder, aggressive acceleration when passing, etc.

    "Alive at 55" is a good idea, but only if it is about SAFER driving- being more alert, using signals, stopping distractions, proper following distances, planning in advance, checking blind spots, understanding the capabilities/limitations of your vehicle, etc. And these are things that apply to everyone, no matter what their age is.