It seems as though every time you turn around these days, there’s something new in the auto industry. And it’s not just a new concept car or model that’s new either. It’s technology, safety, and innovation all competing for the spotlight at the same time. It wasn’t too long ago that these new trends were just idle chatter, but now they all seem to be becoming reality all at once. No sooner than one idea comes out, the next, biggest and more improved version of that idea is “coming soon.” Here are a few trends on what’s safe, what’s smart, and what’s new in the auto industry.
What’s Safe?
A decade or two ago, all you really needed to worry about when it came to safety was how well the seatbelts worked, the safety crash tests, and how many air bags you had to consider. Nowadays, privacy and security are also at risk. With connectivity advances in technology and hackers being in the news more often, it’s enough to make you want to start walking or taking out your bike.
Thankfully, regulators are always seeking to ask the question on how safe is the public with this new innovation or that new technology? One such example takes place in Oakland, California. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission will host an event known as the Connected Car Hackathon during early April. Automatic Labs, Inc. is also on board the project.
In hopes of encouraging safer driving ethics, the event will invite those who participate to build a better mouse trap (or in this case, build better technology for safe driving practices). The event seeks to draw in experts in the field such as developers and programmers, just to name a few, in order to come up with solutions for safer driving tools and technology.
Is it a Hacker’s Paradise?
Recent research is showing just how welcoming it is for a hacker to invade your car. Like a magician with a quick slight of hand, it’s getting easier to hack a key fob and get into your vehicle. While some people collect coins, hackers are busy collecting signals to gain access to your car. Cars from Audi to Toyota have been impacted by these hackers.
Thankfully the research shows the problem areas and the manufacturers can then address what’s next in safety.
What’s Smart?
A group of 20 automakers is seeking to make everything on four wheels safer than before with a safety system known as Automatic Emergency Braking in all cars. Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is on board with everything safe when it comes to cars, it’s good to know they are on the driver’s side when it comes to moving safety technology through the pipes more quickly.
Manufacturers and safety regulators both seek to make seat belts, air bags, and even more advanced future technology like Lane Keep Assist, (helping get the car back to where it needs to be) safer than ever before.
Picture a future too where the use of infrared systems can detect a deer in headlights, so to speak, in dark conditions where the human eye may not be able to see it until it’s too late.
What’s New?
While the majority of visitors to the New York Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center this week are there to see the new concept cars and what’s next on four wheels, there’s also something else that’s new in safety.
Unfortunately, in recent years’ police officers have been killed while sitting in their vehicles. The New York Police Department is exploring new technology in safety. Armored panels and bullet resistant glass for patrol cars are two of those new safety technologies being tested. With an advance in technology like this, the police can feel safer as they go about the business of keeping the public safe, as well.
