In 2018, drivers across the United States purchased
approximately 5.3 million vehicles. While this was a noticeable drop when compared to some of
the previous years, it is still one of the highest-selling figures for cars
across all nations. Amongst those 5 million units, the vast majority were
manufactured within the previous decade. This entitled them to advanced
technology that has become the new standard for almost all auto packages.
The most basic goal of implementing various software inside of a vehicle is to
improve upon the safety and quality of the ride. Hence why back-up cameras,
multi-feature infotainment centers, various safety sensors, and
Bluetooth-enabled computer systems have become the new norm. Courtesy of
advanced engineering that facilitates all of the aforementioned, drivers are
able to enjoy a slew of benefits. It is important to note, however, that no
design can be labeled as “perfect.” This is why almost every single
addition to a car’s technology system comes with a downside.
The Perks of Advanced Technology
According to a company that advocates for driving safely and raises awareness about motorist laws, BusPatrol, technology has made it possible to delegate important responsibilities to a computer. Some of the most common examples are showcased below.
Vehicle Maintenance Monitoring
Every new car is designed to self-diagnose issues. This does not exactly scream innovation as check-engine lights have been around for decades. What has not been in use until fairly recently, however, are tools that let cars report exactly how much engine oil is still available, the dash-based display of tire pressure, estimated mileage based on existing fuel, and similar. Not to mention that the way in which mechanics start resolving most problems on new vehicles is by using their computers to read off the active codes of any errors.
Safety Sensors
Besides keeping a close eye on everything that is going on within the vehicle, most new units come with external sensors. Their role is to scan the surroundings and allow them to enjoy alerts whenever objects seem to get too close. For example, driving on a freeway and randomly crossing the lines due to distraction is prevented because the vehicle will beep to alert the driver. The same applies to back-up cameras that were created to improve the process of reverse parking where visual accessibility tends to be limited.
Outstanding Entertainment and Hands-Free Features
A list of technology perks would be incomplete and unfair if it did not touch on all the mind-blowing entertainment features. Nowadays, people can communicate via their phone while driving without ever touching the device or even bothering to connect it to any cables. This is because of the hands-free driving that lets one make calls or even answer with voice-dictated messages simply through buttons on their steering wheel, per se. Excellent speakers and improved quality of sound isolation are also worthy of mention.
The Downsides of the Innovation
As stated earlier, it is not true that there are only positive byproducts of new-generation technology installed in vehicles. The reason why is that the unwanted outcomes of such revolutionization are a higher likelihood of getting distracted as well as a lower amount of tangible driving knowledge needed to safely operate a car.
More Distractions
Regardless of how incredible any infotainment center may be, it is also fair to call it a pricey distraction. Although people are supposed to figure everything about their infotainment before they begin driving, theoretically at least, most of them fail to do so. Instead, according to BusPatrol, they often find themselves trying to make infotainment adjustments whilst in traffic. There is really no need to go into extensive explanations on why doing something so reckless is a bad idea. It obviously opens one up to a much higher chance of getting in an accident.
Over-Relying on Advanced Tools
The other problem that ties into more technology for cars is the danger of over-relying on advanced tools. Think about the back-up camera that was mentioned earlier. Many people who operate relatively new autos get used to that camera to a point where they could not drive without it. After all, reverse parking is fairly difficult for those who do not master it without any extracurricular tools. That goes to say that they will be in trouble if the technology ever fails, and, spoiler alert, it will. The same applies to constantly leaving everything to the car’s sensors. Just because the oil level is shown as good on the dashboard does not necessarily mean that the car’s engine has enough oil to run on. These types of readings could be inaccurate and should always be double-checked by looking at the actual oil levels as well as other items under the hood.
