HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE WAY WE DRIVE PT1

Technology they say is changing our world and it's changing it fast. This is showing virtually in all areas of our life and there is nothing you do in this present age that technology have not made easy. This is also reflecting in the area of Road Safety, how technology is changing the way we drive in a safe and convenient manner.

INTELLIGENT SPEED LIMITER BY FORD
In march 2015, Ford of Europe www.ford.com the giant automobile maker unveiled All- New Ford S-Max the first to offer "INTELLIGENT SPEED LIMITER".

Intelligent speed limiter is the new technology that could automatically help prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits – both when driving in their own country, and while driving abroad.

Intelligent Speed Limiter combines the functionality of two Ford technologies:
*Adjustable Speed Limiter – enables drivers to manually set a maximum vehicle speed
*Traffic Sign Recognition – provides drivers with the latest detected speed limit, cancellation signs and overtaking restrictions via the instrument cluster display

Drivers can choose between speed limiting systems in the vehicle menu using the steering wheel controls, and activate them using the speed system controls.

Maximum speed for Intelligent Speed Limiter can be set and then raised or lowered in 5 km/h (5 mph) increments. Between 30-200 km/h (20-120 mph) the technology utilizes speed limit information from the Traffic Sign Recognition system. In vehicles equipped with onboard navigation, Intelligent Speed Limiter also uses map data for improved accuracy. Click here to read pt2

Intelligent Speed Limiter allows drivers to set a speed tolerance of up to 10 km/h (5 mph) above the detected speed limit. The system does not apply the brakes but smoothly controls engine torque by electronically adjusting the amount of fuel delivered.

If the S‑MAX overruns the set maximum speed because of a downhill gradient, an alarm is sounded. Drivers can temporarily override the system by pressing firmly on the accelerator.

CITY SAFETY BY VOLVO
While automobile lovers are still basking in the euphoria of the first car with Intelligent Speed Limiter, another automobile giant Volvo www.Volvocars.com unveiled is own safety intelligent technology "CITY SAFETY" which is standard on all new Volvo cars.

Using sensors, CITY SAFETY has options to also work with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection. It monitors the road ahead and alerts drivers to potential obstacles in their way.

If a crash looks likely, it pre-charges the vehicle’s brakes, enhancing their responsiveness for an emergency stop. What is more, if the driver doesn’t react to the danger, the brakes engage automatically, either minimising the impact or stopping the car completely.

City Safety plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of a rear-end collision, especially in built-up areas, It also protects other road users, including at-risk groups such as cyclists and children.

Another safety technological features of new Volvo cars are, Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC), Anti-skid Brakes (ASB). They reduce the number of accidents caused by loss of control, which is the most common contributory factor to fatal accidents. And if a crash does happen, equipment such as Volvo’s renowned Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) minimises the harm caused.

The way technology is changing how we drive is a big step in Road Safety as it deals with human fallibility on our roads.