Google announced the self-driving car project in 2010. It relies upon laser range finders, radar sensors, and video cameras to navigate the road ahead, in order to make driving safer, more enjoyable and more efficient -- and clearly more accessible. The search engine giant was awarded a patent on the system in December.
via www.foxnews.com
. . . now there is overwhelming proof that the one- and two-day courses that are widely available in emergency evasive techniques, including skid control, are not only serving no useful purpose, they are actually increasing the risk of subsequent crashes; a classic example of a little knowledge being dangerous.(8) (9)
As a professional driving instructor for more than 10 years, I am often asked my opinion of the most effective training methods for new drivers. I would encourage anyone who is interested in advanced driver skills training to read the above article by Eddie Wren. Logically, we assume that a new driver must complete skills training to become a safe driver. Certainly, if one intends to drive a 3,000 vehicle on public roadways at 55 mph or more, he should know how to control it. While this is true in the most basic sense, if we want to reduce crashes and fatalities, we have to look at crash trends.
An unskilled driver is at risk for certain collisions, particularly if he loses control of the vehicle, but frankly, most collisions are not caused by lack of knowledge; they are caused by inappropriate attitude or behavior. Driving instructors can teach skills and lay a foundation for safe driving, but something must be done to establish safe habits. The key to transforming safe skills to safe habits is supervised driving practice with parents.
Skills development through advanced driver training programs such as skid reaction and winter driving courses can be a lot of fun and they are not bad things, but these types of training must be given in the context of making mature driving decisions. New drivers must repetitively practice safe decisions while driving. That practice needs to evolve into habits of risk management. Risk management in driving means:
Safe driving is accomplished, not simply through extensive training, but through extensive experience under the watchful eye of a supervising driver.
The Donor Awareness Council of Colorado and Wyoming is offering a $100.00 prize to the teenager, in grades 6-12 who can provide the best poem or poster supporting donor awareness.
The 2010 contest deadline is January 29th.
If you live in Colorado or Wyoming and you write poetry or like to draw, you should enter the contest. Click the link below for contest guidelines and entry forms.
via www.technologyreview.com (click link for original article)
Recent articles have described current vehicle technologies. I stumbled on this article about holographic heads-up displays (HUD) for cars through twitter. Take a look at the future of driving in America.
