Other Safety Advances
Active head restraints, adaptive cruise control, antilock brakes, backover warning devices, breathalyzer ignition locks, daytime running lights, fatigue warning methods, lane departure warning systems, roof strengthening for rollover prevention, smarter seat belts, telematics, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and even driverless pod cars and automated highways are concepts and innovations that could make taking the wheel less dangerous. A brief look at some of these devices follows.
Active Head Restraints
Sophisticated test dummies with realistic spines and necks have been developed to test head-restraint systems. Active head restraints aim to minimize the neck injuries that result from rear-end collisions. In the instant of such a crash, the restraints move higher and slide forward to catch an occupant's head sooner, helping to avoid whiplash.
Adaptive Cruise Control
A 1939 New York World's Fair exhibit envisioned automated cars motoring down guided roadways by the 1960s. That didn't quite pan out, but adaptive cruise control moves us closer to the concept. The technology builds on current cruise control by incorporating radar to regulate the distance from vehicle to vehicle, allowing drivers to program their car to remain a certain distance behind the car in front of them. And if a crash is imminent, the system will brake, deploy airbags and tighten seat belts.
Daytime running lights originally gained prevalence about a decade ago. Basically dimmed headlights that are always on, running lights help prevent head-on, daytime crashes. A far more high-tech lamp came from Audi: Adaptive headlights with a 15-degree range of motion designed to illuminate the area around a corner. The lamps are now available from many other manufacturers as well, including Acura, Infiniti, Lexus, Cadillac, Volvo and many others.
Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are another popular feature. These lights are brighter, cover a wider field of view and better illuminate reflective road signs than typical headlights. On the negative side, their brightness can distract or surprise oncoming drivers.
Lane Departure Warning Systems
Lane departure warning features are more complex systems. Manufacturers are using cameras and transponder data to alert drivers if the car drifts out of its lane. The system captures an image of the highway and the lines on either side of the vehicle. Depending on the make, when the car departs from its lane it emits a warning signal ranging from an alarm to a flashing light.
Personalized safety devices play a role in contemporary auto safety, too. Breathalyzer ignition locks, for example, require remanded drivers to blow into a tube and prove their sobriety. Only then — unless hacked — will the vehicle start.
Drowsy driver — or fatigue — systems are another example of a personalized feature, this one employing cameras to scan driver eye movement. If weariness is detected, an alert is issued. Alan Adler, General Motors manager of product safety communications, points out that human factors need to be carefully considered here. Will drivers over-rely on an alarm to tell them something their bodies long since knew?
Smart Seat Belts
Like the head restraints, smart seat belts are catalyzed by the anticipation of a crash. Belts are tensed and the shape of the seat adjusts to a more crash-ready position. This technology's been around since at least 2003, when Mercedes-Benz put the advanced belts in its S-Class luxury sedans. Specially equipped Infinitis also carry them, as do some Honda and Mazda models.
"A crash that might have killed you 20 years ago is probably very survivable now."
The most popular telematics system is General Motors' OnStar communication system. The driver assistance system uses cellular communication and GPS technology from MapQuest to plot directions, contact 911 operators after an accident, remotely unlock doors, track a stolen vehicle and more. ATX Group is a competitor of OnStar's that provides similar services for BMW and Mercedes-Benz customers, among others. There are other telematic services offering varying degrees of services in Acura, Lexus, Volkswagen, Ford and Chrysler products.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire pressure monitoring systems require zero training, only the ability to notice a warning light. TPM already comes in some rides, and it's long been available in the aftermarket. The federal government passed legislation that requires most 2008 and all 2009 passenger vehicles to be equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems. Consumer Reports recommends using "direct systems" that implant sensors to detect air loss; the government permits the indirect option of monitoring wheel speed and extrapolating air loss.
Humans vs. Technology
Whether lights, cameras, sensors, seats or belts, even the most advanced of current technologies are designed and built, more or less, to save us from ourselves. As Rae Tyson of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration points out, 95 percent of highway fatalities are related to human error.
"People are still doing dumb things in cars," Tyson said. "But the fact is, the cars are now much safer and are more likely to save them. A crash that might have killed you 20 years ago is probably very survivable now."
Test dummies photo courtesy of IIHS.