The Truth About New Safety Technology
Regardless of whether you drive a brand new car or an old one, you can make use of some of the new safety technology that is available. These new technologies will help to keep you safe while you are driving, including things such as automatic braking, front collision warnings, blind spot detection and even drugs and alcohol testing.
Head-up display
Using a head-up display (HUD) in automobiles helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road. It can also provide information that the driver needs to drive safely. It’s a technology that originated in the cockpit of fighter jets, but is now being used in automobiles.
A head-up display can project relevant information directly onto the windshield of the vehicle. The information displayed can range from speed to fuel mileage, and it can also show notifications from other sources. The display can also be a good way to keep your eyes on the road even in poor visibility.
A head-up display is one of the most important safety features for drivers. It reduces the risk of crashes by keeping the driver’s eyes on the road, and by minimizing distractions.
Blind spot detection
Increasing sales of luxury vehicles will drive the blind spot detection market. The demand for blind spot detection technology is bolstered by measures taken by governments to reduce road accidents.
For example, the ASEAN NCAP added blind spot detection to its testing protocols in March. The goal is to reduce motorcycle fatalities in Southeast Asia.
Blind spot detection uses sound waves and video data to help drivers see objects in the side and rear of the vehicle. The sensors are typically mounted on the side mirror or rear bumper. Some systems activate brake controls to help keep the vehicle in the lane.
Blind spot detection is not a substitute for looking in the rearview mirror, but it is a useful safety feature. It is especially important when driving on highways.
Front collision warning with automatic braking
Using an automatic emergency braking system in conjunction with a front collision warning can reduce the severity of a collision. This combination is now becoming common on many popular vehicles. Several studies have been conducted in the U.S. and Europe, and results show that a forward collision warning reduces front-to-rear crashes by over 50 percent.
A front collision warning alerts the driver if he or she is too close to a car or other object. Using a front-mounted camera, the system measures the distance between the vehicle and the object. This information is sent to a software package that triggers an automatic emergency braking system.
Using an automatic emergency braking system can prevent serious injuries. However, it may not prevent every collision. Depending on the driver’s speed and road conditions, the system may not be effective.
Wearable sensors
Whether it’s a smartwatch, a t-shirt or a smart jacket, wearable sensors can help you get a more accurate picture of your workers’ health. In fact, according to a new study, more than three-quarters of safety professionals think that wearable technology can improve workplace safety.
Wearables can provide a number of benefits to companies, including improving patient management efficiency in hospitals, improving safety in athletics and improving overall jobsite safety. Although the technology is still in its infancy, it’s expected to reach a market value of $60 billion by 2022, according to ABI Research.
The market for wearables can be divided into three main categories: personal health monitoring, ergonomics and workforce monitoring. The first category, personal health monitoring, covers wearables that are used to monitor vital signs, such as blood oxygen saturation, and other medical metrics.
Drug and alcohol testing
Despite what some employers may think, random drug and alcohol testing is a useful tool in deterring illicit drug use. While the data does not always show current use, it does provide an indication of past drug use.
There are several federal agencies that have specific regulations governing drug and alcohol testing. The Federal Transit Administration has a few regulations, as do the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) also has specific regulations, including 49 CFR Part 40. Part 40 prescribes the procedures for conducting DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing. It also specifies when and how to test, and who is subject to the test.
The National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance reports that more than 70 percent of illegal drug users are employed. Drug and alcohol testing protects both the employer and employees. Drug abuse is a major contributor to workplace accidents and injuries.