Driving can be a pain
Four out of five people suffer from lower back pain, according to an article in The Telegraph by James Foxall. While driving is not necessarily the primary cause, it’s known to aggravate the problem. In part, the issue is due to the design of the car. More often than not, however, it’s associated with the way drivers are seated. Indeed, many osteopaths and chiropractors agree that people tend not to take time to set up the driving position properly. The human body isn’t designed to spend long periods in a sitting position, note experts. Setting the car seat in a higher position can provide relief, as can taking frequent breaks when driving for longer periods.
For more information visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/advice/avoid-back-pain-driving/.
Stay connected…safely
Navdy has introduced its Augmented Driving device, which is designed to leverage augmented reality (AR) technology to project information directly in the driver’s line of sight. The user interface projects a transparent image on the road ahead, as well as incorporates Hand Gestures to accept calls with the wave of one’s hand. A specially engineered Dial and advanced software permits the driver to control his or her phone hands-free. Maps, calls, messages, notifications, music and car information are projected directly in front of the driver. For the first time, drivers can Look Forward© while Staying Connected©. Features include:
- Look Forward©Display: By projecting information into the distance, the road stays in focus.
- Intuitive Interface:Navdy Hand Gestures enable the driver to accept a call or message with the simple wave of the hand.
- Never Miss a Turn:Navdy’s Projected Navigation© system is powered by Google Maps®. The feature offers full dynamic maps as a transparent image, without obstructing the driver’s view of the road.
- Stay Connected:Navdy lets drivers make and receive calls, listen to messages, control music, receive calendar reminders and stay connected to the apps on your phone. Navdy also connects to your car with Navdy Dash, showing the speed and RPM and automatically recommending nearby gas stations when the fuel level is low.
The system is compatible with iOS 9 and 10, and Android Jelly Bean (4.1) or newer, and reportedly works in any car with Navdy’s magnetic mounting system. It can be stored in the glove box when not in use. It is available for as low as $71 per month with 12-month financing, or $799 as a one-time purchase with no monthly fees.
For more information visit http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/navdy-reinvents-the-driving-experience-ships-first-augmented-driving-device-2169382.htm.
Making driving safer for everyone
Sales reps aren’t the only ones who must drive safely. So must their teenage or college age children. Indeed, the dangers of distracted driving have been well quantified, according to an article on distracteddriveraccidents.com by Rob Tindula. Texting while driving takes one’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, while also increasing his or her risk of crashing by 23 times. Over the past few years, a number of different apps – some free, some available at cost – have been developed to prevent distracted driving by disabling certain features of one’s phone while driving. In fact, a number not only place one’s phone on airplane mode, they also offer incentives for driving distraction free. Here are a few apps to consider:
- Down for the Count. Ideal for teens, this app allows drivers to have sponsors who can reward them for logging time while the app is open. If the app is closed at any point during the ride, the time or mileage for that entire ride is negated. Sponsors set up certain thresholds for the driver to reach before the reward is given, such as five hours of drive time or a certain number of miles.
- The app uses a point-based system to give out rewards. Whenever the driver’s speed is above 6mph or 10 km/h, they automatically start earning points to their account. However, any time the release button is pressed on the app, all points for that trip are lost. Points can be used to get discounts from participating stores in the SafeDrive Marketplace. This app also offers other features, such as a challenge between drivers, with the winner getting a percentage of the point total.
- Drive Beehive. With Drive Beehive, Safe Miles are accrued, as long as the phone is not in use. This app allows the driver to pair with one sponsor, who will enter a reward and total number of miles needed to reach that award. Safe Miles can be converted into coupons, discounts and free merchandise.
- LifeSaver is a multidimensional app that automatically locks the driver’s phone while the car is in motion. It also includes such features as arrival notifications and in-drive status, letting those who are trying to contact the driver know they are behind the wheel. Parents can set up monthly awards for good driving behavior. One drawback of this application is that it uses GPS, which can drain battery life and use up data.
For more information visit http://distracteddriveraccidents.com/4-free-apps-incentivize-driving-safely/.
Smartphone apps for drivers
- iGasUp. The app, which reportedly includes 110,000 fuel stations in its database, displays the 10 nearest fuel stations and their prices. It soon will add fuel-station amenities, such as carwashes. ($0.99)
- My Max Speed 2.0. Using the accelerometer in an Android phone, My Max Speed 2.0 logs speed and location every 5 seconds and makes the data available for exporting to a spreadsheet. The app is intended to be used two ways: to monitor a teen’s driving habits and to provide an accurate record with which to argue against speeding tickets. It can also provide a location history or send a message if the phone carrying the app travels outside a preset location perimeter. ($4.99)
- Trapster. The app lets users pinpoint the location of speed cameras, red-light cameras and live speed traps, as well as delivers voice alerts when the driver approaches a trap or exceeds a speed limit. (Free)
For more information visit http://coolpile.com/gadgets-magazine/47-coolest-car-gadgets-bring-wheels-future.