These days, cars are not just used to simply get people from point A to point B; they are designed to deliver an experience. As a result, many manufacturers have outfitted their vehicles with driver comforts that have been historically reserved for true luxury vehicles.
In This Article
Driver Drowsiness / Distraction Monitoring
Heads-Up Displays
Automatic High Beams
Keyless Entry
Automatic Windshield Wipers
Driver Drowsiness / Distraction Monitoring
It should be no surprise that drowsy or distracted driving can be hazardous to those in the vehicle and on the road. In the past, there were few in-vehicle options to help alleviate the issue. However, that’s beginning to change as manufacturers have introduced monitoring systems measuring drivers’ attention to ensure they are alert while on the road.
Subaru recently introduced its “DriverFocus” system that utilizes a camera to monitor the driver’s head and eye positions. Other manufacturers use sensors within the steering wheel to watch for signs of trouble. The variations of these systems ultimately keep everyone safe, and we will continue to see them implemented in various makes and models.
A heads-up display used to be something only seen in Sci-Fi movies. No longer fiction, this technology has made its way into high-end luxury vehicles. Today, the feature can be added to a wide array of vehicles from manufacturers such as RAM, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, and more. These displays assist drivers in keeping their focus on the road by projecting information such as speed, navigation, and safety alerts directly onto the windshield, preventing drivers from looking down and diverting their attention away from the road.
If you’ve ever driven down a dimly lit road at night, you’ve likely encountered another motorist driving towards you with their high beams on. The brightness of the lights can create a dangerous situation as visibility becomes severely limited. Many manufacturers have begun introducing automatic high beams, which use windshield-mounted cameras to monitor vehicles traveling toward or away from you. The vehicle will then turn on or off the high beams as needed with no manual operation necessary.
Gone may be the days of utilizing a dedicated key or remote to enter your vehicle, as several manufacturers are now experimenting with smartphones as vehicle entry systems. While the technology is still relatively new, automakers are considering backup methods, such as RFID or keypads, in case the driver’s phone is lost or not operational. This may sound exclusive to luxury brands, but it’s used regularly in more mainstream vehicles such as the Hyundai Sonata.
If you’ve ever been caught in a storm where the rain seems to be falling at a rate that fits just in between your wiper speed settings, then you’ll appreciate this feature. Automatic wipers utilize sensors to detect the amount of rain falling on the windshield and adjust the wipers’ speed accordingly. This feature will save drivers from the hassle of switching between speeds while trying to maintain focus on the road.
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