Statistics shared by the ministry of transport show that speeding is the leading cause of approximately 70% of traffic deaths in India, according to the Economic Times. To reduce speed-related fatalities, the government issued a directive that all vehicles sold from 1st July 2019 should have a speed governor that will notify drivers speeding above 80km/h.
However, research experts at IIT in Bombay and Guwahati claim that these devices are a one-size-fits-all solution. Furthermore, they lack the intelligence to minimize crash risks in plains, deserts, and hilly regions.
Akhilesh Kumar Maurya, IIT Guwahati Civil Engineering professor, said, “Our research reveals the recommended speed for cars varies significantly based on changes in road landscapes, such as sharp bends. Because of this, it’s crucial to innovate a smart speed warning solution.”
Maurya adds that cars equipped with intelligent speed warning solutions will notify drivers in advance when approaching bends along roadways. Like most car safety features that eliminate traffic fatalities, the smart warning system will reduce speeding-related accidents. Read on to learn more about innovative vehicle features that will make roads safer.
Adaptive Headlights
If you’re like many people, you might be wondering how adaptive headlights work. Unlike conventional headlights, adaptive headlamps are embedded in the steering wheel and swivel in the direction you’re turning the car.
That way, the headlights brighten the roadway you’re turning to, preventing potential risks of hitting an object or person, especially in dark areas.
Dash Cam
Dash cameras are becoming increasingly popular among motorists, and for good reasons. In simple terms, a dashcam is mounted on your vehicle’s dashboard. It records images and sounds while driving and can be integrated with other onboard technologies like GPS. When combined with a GPS, a dashcam helps you monitor speed. This technique ensures you drive within set speed limits.
There are many benefits of installing dash cameras in vehicles, and the most notable one is having supporting evidence if you’re involved in a car crash. Typically, dashcams feature a forward-facing lens that captures everything on the road ahead, meaning any accident that occurs while you’re driving is recorded.
This feature comes in handy if you choose to file a personal injury claim after a vehicle crash. For instance, if you get into a car crash in Texas, an Austin injury lawyer may advise you to use the footage from the dashcam in court to win a personal injury case, since it can be used as evidence and enable you to win a fair settlement.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control improves road safety by ensuring you maintain a safe distance between cars while driving. Given that this system automatically adjusts your vehicle’s speed, it helps you stay within the set speed limits. Ideally, adaptive cruise control relies on sensors that detect and alert drivers of potential collisions using audible or visual notifications on the dashboard. In most cases, this system slows down the car or applies brakes to avoid hitting other vehicles.
Vehicle safety technology is advancing rapidly, and it plays a critical role in making roads safer. For instance, adaptive cruise control helps drivers maintain an optimum speed, thus reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Other technologies enhancing road safety are dash cams, adaptive headlights, transparent hoods, lane keep assist, and electronic stability control.