Automotive technologies
Car consumers want technology that permits them access to the same entertainment and information they get from their cell phones, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies StudySM. The study measures vehicle owner interest and purchase intent regarding 61 emerging automotive technologies. Without knowing the cost, 83 percent of study participants expressed interest in wireless connectivity systems, which create a communication link between electronic devices and the vehicle, and 78 percent of participants were interested in a device/application link, which allows viewing and controlling electronic devices and apps through the factory-installed equipment on the vehicle. Seventy-nine percent of consumers indicated they are willing to pay $250 a device/application link. However, only 55 percent of study participants expressed a willingness to purchase a wireless connectivity system for their next car, as the market price of such a system is about $300. Along with device/application link, participants appear willing to pay:
- $550 for a surround-view/rear-vision camera system.
- $150 for active shutter grille vents.
- $75 for a wireless charging station.
- $25/month for an advanced accident notification system.
- $100 for a smartphone navigation vehicle interface.
The 2014 U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies Study is based on responses from 15,171 vehicle owners, and the study includes 61 features and technologies in 13 categories, ranging from collision protection to visibility enhancements.
Look, Ma: No hands
Talking on a cell phone while driving – even hands-free – does not appear to be safe, according to research. The National Safety Council estimates that 26 percent of all car crashes involve cell phone use. Of these accidents, only 5 percent involve text messaging. Closer to 21 percent involve talking on a cell phone – handheld or hands-free. An NSC survey revealed that eight in 10 drivers mistakenly believe hands-free devices are safer than using a handheld phone. In reality, hands-free devices do not offer drivers any safety benefit, according to the Council, which believes it’s the cell phone conversation that is distracting – not the act of holding the cell phone. Drivers who are cognitively distracted by their cell phone conversations can miss seeing up to 50 percent of their driving environment, even though they are looking right out the windshield, says NSC.
A new insurance trend?
In response to car accidents associated with cell phone use, some auto insurance companies are announcing new strategies. For instance, Good2Go®, specialists in offering minimum coverage auto insurance, has introduced its Cell Phone Safety Discount program in Alabama. Customers receive 5 percent off bodily injury, property damage and collision coverage per vehicle when they install a device that blocks distracting phone functions, such as text messaging, email and Internet browsing. To receive the discount, drivers install a qualifying text-blocking device in their vehicle and provide a copy of the receipt as proof of purchase. Text blockers are hardware/software that disables the data functions of the phone (e.g. texting, email and Internet browsing) while the vehicle is in motion, while allowing essential call functionality such as 911 emergency calls.
Speaking of distractions
It’s not just cell phone distractions that can lead to car accidents. Sipping lattes on one’s drive to work is perceived by some as nearly as risky as updating social media on one’s smartphones from behind the wheel. Recent data from Lytx, a manufacturer of video-based driver safety technology, has found that eating or drinking while driving is nearly as dangerous as any cell phone distraction – handheld or hands-free – and increases a driver’s risk of being in or causing a collision. The company’s data found that:
- Drivers with food or drink distractions are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a collision than drivers who do not eat and drink while driving.
- Drivers using a hands-free device are 4.6 times more likely to be involved in a collision than drivers who did not use their hands-free device.
- Drivers with smartphone or tablet distraction are 4.7 times more likely to be involved in a collision than drivers who did not use their cellular handheld device.
The good, the bad and the greenest
What do women, Volvo drivers and Rochester, NY all have in common? They each represent the best drivers in their category, according to a report from NYC-based startup, Dash, which analyzed a snapshot of 5 million miles driven by American car owners. The company arrived at the following results:
- While men are marginally better drivers than women (score: 82 vs. 79), they are also twice as likely to stop short, and three times as likely to over-accelerate.
- Volvo drivers received the best scores (95), followed by Porsche (94) and Mazda (93). In the luxury category, Audi (93) beat BMW (86), with Mercedes lagging (86). Dishonorable mention went to Jaguar (64).
- Rochester, N.Y., drivers proved to be the nation’s best, while Elizabeth, NJ drivers appeared to be the worst. Their neighbors in Hoboken, NJ were consistently the fastest drivers in the country, while Dallas, Texas drivers had six times more hard breaks than the national average.
- LA drivers scored the greenest, with an average 37 miles per gallon (MPG), compared with the U.S. average of 24 MPG.
Diesel vs. gasoline
California, Texas and Florida lead the United States with the most registrations of fuel-efficient clean diesel and hybrid passenger vehicles, according to analysis and data released by the Diesel Technology Forum. The report is based on registration statistics of all passenger vehicles – including cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and vans –compiled by R.L. Polk and Company in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through December 31, 2013. Diesels are about 30 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline vehicles and do not require compromises in vehicle performance, driving patterns or vehicle utility, according to the Forum. In 2013, diesel registrations increased by 410,040 nationally and hybrids increased by 531,385, it reports.
Drivers who are cognitively distracted by their cell phone conversations can miss seeing up to 50 percent of their driving environment, even though they are looking right out the windshield, says NSC.
LA drivers scored the greenest, with an average 37 miles per gallon (MPG), compared with the U.S. average of 24 MPG
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