Inside the Car of the Future

Since the invention of the automobile, car manufacturers have been creating features to reduce driver error. Today, a huge system of sensors and computers are what mostly control standard vehicles, with only one piece of the puzzle being the driver. Fully automatic vehicles used to be pure science fiction, but now it’s pretty much a reality.

Autonomous Car Features

Pretty soon, brakes, steering wheels, gas pedals and other main parts of a vehicle will likely be taken out of fully automatic cars.

• Lidar (Light detection and Ranging). Automatic cars will have precise radar and solar that identifies items in motion like people and other cars.

• Preloaded 3D map indicating to the computer where crosswalk, stop signs, and traffic lights are situated as well as how to get around road hazards.

• Adaptive cruise control that will automatically stop, speed up or slow down in traffic as it monitors the speed of the car ahead of you.

• Emergency brake assist with pedestrian protection. This feature uses cameras and radar to help the car react and make needed maneuvers like changing lanes to avoid other vehicles or pedestrians.

• Specialized stereo cameras that will identify and outline cyclists and pedestrians.

Are Computers Better Drivers than People?

The fact is that self-driving vehicles could drastically reduce or eliminate the risk of accidents due to driver error. Computers can be aware and act faster than a person can as it is not subject to alcohol consumption, distractions or fatigue. The leading cause of car crashes is drinking and driving.

Over 90% of car accidents are the result of human error. An efficient use of an automatic car communication system can mean over 80% of those accidents can be avoided. It is said that self-driving cars would lessen car accidents by 90% preventing thousands of deaths, millions of injuries, and saving billions of dollars over time.

Challenges of Self-Driving Cars

Even though autonomous cars can save lives and money and reduce crashes, introducing these vehicles may present another set of challenges.

New safety risks may be created as there are technology or system failures. When a car encounters a problem that is wasn’t programmed for it might encourage risky behaviors.

Privacy concerns will pop up with the increased connectivity like the risk of information abuse, data sharing or unwanted GPS tracking.

The added convenience of a driverless car could encourage people to travel more often. This would lead to many more cars on the roads increasing pollution and the costs of parking.

Until it becomes the norm for everyone to have a self-driving car, we should continue to practice safe driving. When the time comes that you do need a newer, more high tech vehicle, you can donate a car to charity through Kidney Cars.

• Help improve lives and donate your vehicle today.

• We accept vehicles even if they no longer are running, as long as they have a title.

• There is no cost to you, simply call us at 800.488.CARS (2277) or complete our online form.

• Then schedule a pick up time that fits your schedule. You can make a difference in the lives of millions with kidney disease.