Driving is a serious business
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2014, 3,179 people were killed and 431,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers, according to a recent article in usnews.com. Research has shown that when a driver listens to someone speaking to him or her, it can reduce the amount of attention paid to driving by 37 percent. Talking or texting on a smartphone – even when using a hands-free device – is considered by some experts to be even more distracting. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that drivers using cell phones look but fail to see up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment. Furthermore, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that distraction associated with talking or texting while driving can last for up to 27 seconds after the call is terminated. The good news is that campaigns are underway to stop distracted driving, and texting while driving is against the law in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Still more needs to be done: Many laws do not ban hands-free texting. For more information visit https://www.usnews.com/opinion/policy-dose/articles/2016-12-22/5-ways-to-end-distracted-driving-this-holiday-season.
Self-driving cars not for everyone
In spite of estimates that more than 600,000 motorists drive distracted by their cellphone, a recent AAA study suggests that about 75 percent of Americans are not comfortable riding in self-driving vehicles. Many fear they still aren’t safe enough. Nevertheless, connected and automated technologies hold the potential to prevent as much as 80 percent of today’s crashes and, in turn, save over 28,000 U.S. lives, according to AAA. Among key findings from the AAA survey:
- 85 percent of women say they are afraid of riding in a self-driving vehicle compared with 69 percent of men.
- Fears rise among older motorists. Eight-five percent of baby boomers hold those fears, compared to 75 percent of Generation X drivers and 73 percent of millennials.
Additionally, about 54 percent of all motorists report feeling less safe sharing the road with a self-driving car while they drive a traditional car. For more information visit http://blog.caranddriver.com/fear-of-the-future-most-americans-are-afraid-to-ride-in-self-driving-cars/#more-375891.
When cars fly
Although it’s not likely to be available to consumers any time soon, the Pop.Up – a concept car engineered by aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the design firm Italsesign – reportedly can fly up to 62 miles. The two-seat city car consists of a four-wheeled rolling platform, a passenger compartment and a 14.4-foot-long by 16.4-foot-wide rooftop drone. A 15-kWh battery enables the Pop.Up to travel on the ground approximately 80 miles on a full charge. Its top speed on the ground is limited to 62 mph; however, when the eight-rotor drone is attached to the rooftop, it can fly up to62 miles. Eight individual electric motorsproduce a combined 182 horsepower. For more information visit http://blog.caranddriver.com/minus-the-bus-airbus-and-italdesign-make-a-flying-car/#more-375970.
Car Accessories
- Roav Dashtop Head-Up Display and Computer. By placing all relevant information in front of the driver, he or she is able to keep a clear view of the road ahead, while following directions, checking the speed or viewing notifications without reaching for a device. Roav Dashtop provides live traffic routes and reroutes, traffic alerts, trip stats, speed limit alerts and helps drivers find their car in the parking lot. The Roav Dashtop syncs with the entire Roav Smart Driving System, which includes cameras, sensors and apps to keep people safe while driving. ($399) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/roav-dashtop-head-display-computer/.
- CarDroid. An in-vehicle device based on Android OS, CarDroid allows car owners to analyze other drivers’ behavior on the road, receive emergency notifications, protect their car from theft, check vehicle data and save money on fuel and insurance costs. It’s a programmable solution connected to a cloud-based platform for data storage and visualization. In addition, the emergency feature – ESNaR (Emergency Situation Notification and Reconstruction) – provides instant notification if a car gets into an accident, as well as helps reconstruct an emergency situation with a car 3D model. ($150) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/cardroid-first-android-vehicle-monitoring-device/.
- Cyntur JumperPack Mini Jump Starter. This ultra compact jump starter comes pre-charged with a 12,000 mAh lithium ion battery and delivers 250 amps of starting power to get a car running again. The JumperPack Mini features SafeJump battery clamps, including a black one and a red one to prevent over-current and reverse charge. In addition, the jump starter has a 2.1A USB port designed to charge a smartphone or tablet. A built-in 200 lumen LED light serves as an emergency flashlight. ($109.99) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/cyntur-jumperpack-mini-jump-starter/.
- The PACE Link and the PACE App. The PACE Link and PACE App (iOS and Android) connect one’s car via Bluetooth with his or her smartphone, as well as offers nine innovative features designed to make driving stress-free, cheaper, and safer. ($98) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/pace-link-turn-car-smartcar/.
- Pearl Magnetic Car Phone Mount. The phone mount seamlessly attaches to the vent in almost any vehicle for a strong hold. The magnetic hold keeps the cellphone in place. The Pearl Magnetic mount features a carbon steel gimbal, permitting the phone to rotate 140 degrees for optimal viewing at any time. ($39.99) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/pearl-magnetic-car-phone-mount/.
- Cargage Can. Made of 100% recycled plastic, the no-spill, topple-proof Carbage Can is designed to stay in place and hold trash that accumulates on car rides. ($15) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/carbage-can-topple-proof-slim-trash-can/.
- RearVision. The RearVision back-up camera by Pearl Auto is designed to provide a full view of what’s behind the vehicle, alerting drivers to anything in the way as they back up. The system is equipped with two HD cameras, complete with night vision, and will alert drivers on their smartphone immediately if an obstacle is in your way. A built-in solar panel means drivers need not worry about charging the battery or wiring the system to their vehicle’s computer. ($499.99) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/rearvision-back-camera-pearl-auto/.
- STOPSLEEP. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year, resulting in about 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries. STOPSLEEP is an anti-sleep alarm with an electronic position sensor, which is designed to send off an alarm up to five minutes before a driver dozes off. The device is worn on the driver’s finger and continually measures his or her levels of awareness and concentration via eight built-in cutaneous sensors, which monitor electrodermal activity. ($189) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/anti-sleep-alarm/.
- TriboTEX Vehicle Enhancing Nanoparticles. This system is designed to increase gas mileage and horsepower, as well as reverse wear on a vehicle’s engine. TriboTEX utilizes anisotropic nanoparticle technology. The particles attach to a surface by forming a film, which reportedly compensates for some accumulated wear by providing a repair like effect. Once the car engine is warmed up and the driver disperses the nanomaterial into the oil tank, the nanoparticles are said to begin working in as little as 15 minutes. TriboTEX is designed to decrease engine noise and reduce friction more effectively than when only oil is used. ($75) For more information visit http://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/tribotex-vehicle-enhancing-nanoparticles/.