The process that began in Great Britain in the 18th century has encompassed the world today. Yes, we are talking about the Great Industrial Revolution of the 1800s. Today is the day and age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Since the First, the world has seen one after another technology revolutionizing the way humans knew life. The same holds in the case of transportation. Horse and bullock carts gave way to conventional cars and trucks. These vehicles have today evolved to include top-class technologies designed for safety.
In this article, we will discuss three important tech systems in vehicles to watch out for in 2024 and beyond. They will help not just drivers but also city planners to control traffic, maintain safety, and prevent accidents.
The Alarming Rate of Road Accidents and Their Aftermath
Howbeit the issue of road accidents is not a predominantly American one, our country certainly has a unique set of challenges. In 2023, more than 40,000 people lost their lives in a road crash.
We cannot simply dump all the blame on increasing vehicle ownership. The problem also lies with poor city planning and driver indiscretion. Lack of proper signage, sharp blind turns, intoxication, overspeeding, etc., are some of the main causes of such accidents.
Notwithstanding that, the fallout can be gruesome. We will pick up the example of Missouri’s logistics hub, St. Louis. This city ranked among the worst-driving cities in America where drivers are seldom completely safe. Even 18-wheeler truck accidents are commonplace here.
TorHoerman Law shares that victims often sustain injuries like deep lacerations, severe burns, and broken bones, among others. Additionally, a heated court battle marks the aftermath of most accident cases.
Now, if the accident involved a commercial truck in St. Louis, matters become especially complex since multiple liable parties may be involved. Does this mean car accidents are any better? Not really.
Many victims must seek the support of a St. Louis car accident lawyer, particularly when insurance companies use tactics to avoid fair compensation. It may take weeks or even months to have a satisfactory resolution.
3 Cutting-Edge Technologies That Show Promise for 2024 and Beyond
In light of the growing issue of road rages, recklessness, and accident rates, technology has had to enter the scene. The following three offer a ray of hope in this regard. These will assist drivers and city officials in making America’s roads safer for pedestrians and all vehicles alike.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
We know that even ADAS systems are not entirely a novel technology. They have been around for quite some time, albeit not all of their features are properly utilized by all drivers. These automated systems help a driver operate their automobile safely. Let’s look at those technologies that are expected to be used heavily in 2024 –
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – This technology automatically adjusts the speed of the vehicle on the basis of the one in front. Its main benefit is that it can help avoid a front-end collision and offers a smooth driving experience.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Running along similar lines, this system alerts the driver when their vehicle is getting too close to the automobile in front. When a certain distance or gap is not maintained, the warning sound will ring immediately.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Each driver bears the duty of staying within their driving lane. If the vehicle suddenly or gradually drifts away, the LDW system will sound an alarm. There are forward-facing AI cameras installed that will warn the driver if lane markings are crossed.
- Head-up Display (HUD) – Important details, otherwise found across different buttons and panels are displayed on the windshield. The HUD is designed to mitigate accidents by increasing road awareness and focus.
Driver Monitoring System (DMS)
AI-powered cameras and sensors form the ballast for this technology. It will track driver behavior within the hood and warn in case any distraction or drowsiness is detected. Let’s look at the full scope of its assistance –
- Fatigue detection – This involves monitoring the driver’s face for signs of tiredness, drowsiness, yawning, or drooping. If any such signs are detected, the system will immediately sound an alarm. As per the National Safety Council (NSC), driving without sleep for 20 hours or more creates a scenario equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08.
- Speed detection – Using geofencing, this technology also monitors the speed of the vehicle. If there are any signs of overspeeding, it alerts the driver that they have crossed the recommended speed limit.
- Real-time detection – Due to this feature, the technology immediately detects if a driver is using their cell phone while driving or not focusing on the road. Through its warning, necessary steps can be taken to prevent an accident.
Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS)
This technology primarily helps city officials to keep traffic flow in check. The ITMS uses various systems to monitor the traffic flow and manage it in real time. This way, roads can become safer and traffic congestion is reduced. Under this system, the following features are available –
- Real-time monitoring – Since traffic is monitored and maintained in real-time, it is possible to get instant responses to accidents. As a result, swift intervention can take place to tackle any injuries.
- Adaptive traffic signal control – This is an AI-driven technology in which the traffic signals are controlled smartly. It can help optimize traffic flow, enhance road protection, and mitigate congestion.
Countries worldwide have awoken to how grave the situation is. American cities are also employing advanced technologies for better traffic management. Similarly, drivers are investing in vehicles that come equipped with the latest systems.
The market for ADAS is growing at a CAGR of 11% and is expected to make such progress till 2030. It seems like the future may look vastly different from what it appears today.
