The Dangers of Driving are Being Eradicated

Sensors are used in many industries and for many reasons. They play a huge part in our society making huge strides into a newer age of technology and advancement. Things are being done more quickly and more efficiently than ever before, but sensors are keeping us safe as well.

Think of this real-life scenario: On a busy highway, a sedan is followed by a minivan. Both of these vehicles are equipped with sensor-involved wireless equipment. The driver of the sedan suddenly slams on their brakes. That kind of move can create a disastrous, multi-car crash.

The sedan had a Global Positioning System and a short range radio. The abrupt stop registered on the GPS and it emitted a signal alerting others of the sedan's position. The minivan had similar equipment and became privy to the situation of the sedan and forewarned the driver of the minivan about the proximity of the sedan via a flashing red light and chime.

The two vehicles had technology promoted by corporate and government sponsors. The sponsors hope the incipient prevalence of this technology will save many lives by getting cars' computers to talk to each other. Late model cars are already heavily equipped with vibration sensors and tilt sensors and load sensors. Sensors in cars monitor dozens of driving parameters such as when anti-lock brakes are employed, rates of deceleration, and freezing road temperatures. This intelligence will safeguard passengers from road dangers and from one another.

State Departments are also taking advantage of this benevolent technology. A Department of Transportation in Missouri outfitted light poles at intersections with sensor toting transponders. These gadgets can transmit the GPS location of the lights and whether it is going to be red, yellow, or green. Drivers with technology to receive this information will be warned if there are to run a red light.

Transponders in boxes affixed to road poles can emit information to drivers about road conditions caused by inclement weather or accidents. Drivers will be alerted of conditions well before they are anywhere near the scene. Sensors are going to revolutionize road safety. Despite the number of safety precautions such as airbags, U.S. road fatalities remain to be at an alarming rate. Though safety measures have gotten better, the number of cars on the road continues to increase.

Sponsors are hoping that the existence of sensor technology on the road will dramatically decrease the number of deaths and injuries. The possibilities are growing with everyday and sponsors hope that there will be a majority of cars on the road with capabilities of taking advantage of this information by 2011.