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Since the inclusion of computers in automobiles to help efficient fuel injection, car manufacturers have constantly refined how they can be used in order to have an impact on other aspects of the car. Car manufacturers have also done all they can in regards to using physical methods in order to make cars safer. That is where mixing safety components with the onboard computer has become something they have turned to in order to help make cars safer. In this regard, active safety systems are saving us from ourselves.

Active safety systems utilize lasers, radar and cameras in order to judge distances between potential hazards and either notify the driver of a potential catastrophe or take evasive action. We have seen mechanical safe guards such as traction control and anti-lock breaking; it is now the onboard computer’s turn to pick up the slack. The onboard computer will be able to take evasive action on behalf of the driver in the event that a collision or excessive speed or slipping is going to lead to something that may injure the occupants. The car can make judgment calls based on a series of algorithms and specific reactionary programming that is pre-coded (and updated) by the onboard computer.

Active safety systems can also record data from the way someone drives and then readjust how the engine is used in order to ensure the engine remains healthy. Active safety systems can also do the job that was delegated as a mechanical function prior to its inception. Things like having the computer retuned as the engine ages can be done automatically using the computer system. It is a fairly broad term that can encompass not only safety aspects of how the car performs but the actual car’s performance in terms of fuel consumption, drivability and comfort.

As crazy as this may sound, it is now close to becoming a reality. Because we are blessed with so many other senses other than vision, it is possible to give cues to blind drivers in how to react to specific situations when they are behind the wheel. The car for the blind will do this by using an array of vibrating and voice warnings that are triggered by the reaction of sensors (made up of lasers). The driver will wear a vest and gloves that will vibrate depending on various factors. The steering wheel will also vibrate. The driver will be able to interact with the car via voice commands and touch.

Whilst it may be easy to dismiss the idea as nothing short of insanity, the vehicle itself is the result of a lot of research. Because humans do not specifically rely on a single sense to drive, it is fair to assume that someone who is blind is not at a massive disadvantage in regards to operating a vehicle. Nissan has been developing systems that will force the user to slow down and even apply the brake if a driver is too close to a vehicle in front of them. It is the conglomeration of technology such as this as well as others that has made the feat possible.

Whilst an advanced prototype is still in development a very basic prototype has been developed in the form of a beach buggy. The beach buggy used a wide variety of aids to help a blind person test the vehicle with a great deal of success. The next prototype (much more advanced than the buggy) is to be tested in January, 2011. Instead of a beach buggy, it will be a Ford Escape. A large vehicle that is quite common to give the broadest results possible.

The limits of technology know no bounds. In fact, such is the rapid pace of new inventions that we no longer feel surprised. Things are getting easier as the days pass by and new inventions are doing much to make our lives more comfortable. Some of the common examples would be mobile phones, computers, internet etc. But how about automobiles? Aren’t they becoming smarter? Yes, they are. The big giants of auto industry keep adding one exciting feature after another in the latest launches and they are surely making lives more exciting on roads.

 The need for something extra and special had made some auto giants to come up with engines with hybrid technology. As a result of that, gasoline powered engine has witnessed a clear drop in popularity in recent years. One, the price of fuel is increasing at a alarming rate and secondly, environmental causes definitely suffer a bit because of these engines. Hybrid technology is doing a great service to environment because it is not fully relying upon the fuel but rather electricity. As a result of that, lower amount of fuel is consumed and we get a cleaner environment.

 Actually the term hybrid refers to combination of electric motor and gasoline engine that work in tandem to provide adequate power to the car. Emissions are also far less and fuel consumption is low as well. If we compare it to a normal gas powered car then also we find hybrid engine provides best fuel efficiency. Imagine, how much fuel would you save if you are stuck in heavy traffic? All you have to do is to just use electrical engine instead of gasoline one. As far as charging aspect is concerned, when car runs in high speed the engine gets charged on its own. Other useful benefits of hybrid engines are transferring of lesser dangerous chemicals in the air and saving of money.