This is the interior of the most modern cars that have come onto the market

Interior image of the new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, which will include a 48-inch screen spanning the full width of the car. Photo: Courtesy of Ford.

Modern cars are often described as “computers on wheels”. They are equipped with automated driver assistance systems, large screens, Internet connections and numerous ways of synchronizing with smartphones.

However, in the race to innovate and outperform the competition with ever-newer technologies, it may have gone too far. Some advances have made driving safer, but others veer toward technological excesses that can harm drivers. Current-generation cars can be more expensive to repair, more difficult to understand and drive, and, according to some industry experts, are more likely to cause driver distraction and disengagement.

It seems the auto industry is ignoring these problems and even making them worse.

This week we learned that Ford is about to change what drivers will see when they get behind the wheel of some of its vehicles. A new display that will span the full width of the car aims to reinvent the way drivers get information. It will include the speedometer and other critical indicators, navigation and applications such as Spotify, video streaming and even the ability to connect controllers to play video games. This system consists of a 48-inch screen.

You can even play video games on car screens. Photo: Courtesy of Ford.

Last week, Mercedes announced something similar. During CES in Las Vegas, Markus Schäfer, Director of Technology of the brand, held a short meeting with Autocar where he presented some technological details that they will incorporate into the future generation of electric vehicles.

“At Mercedes we are still on a trajectory where you see even more screens in the car,” Schäfer said. “Mercedes will use continuous screens from left to right. This is the next evolution of our Hyperscreen displays. It will provide a truly impressive experience. This screen is an essential part for us, at least for the next few years,” said the manager. This decision will mean that the car’s dashboard will be missing buttons.

Continue reading the story

Vadim Weiss, Mercedes-Benz USA, shows off the company’s new operating system, MBOS 1, during the CES technology show Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

In addition to the significant wow effect that the vehicle’s Hyperscreen offers consumers, a touchscreen in the center console offers a high-tech display that allows the front seat passenger to watch movies. The Hyperscreen is designed with advanced voice commands and eye-tracking technology. If the driver takes his eyes off the road and starts watching the movie, the system will automatically turn it off. As soon as the driver returns his attention to the road, the video will be activated again. However, no one in their right mind watches a movie while driving, but checks the bright screen to see the GPS map or check notifications. Here lies the real danger.

A safety issue, especially for older drivers

A large screen appeals to many consumers for its sleek appearance, the ability to connect to apps and podcasts, and the ability to program the navigation system with a single touch. However, according to a study by the AAA Foundation, onboard infotainment systems can be very distracting. This is especially true for older drivers, who may not be as comfortable with all the technological advances as younger consumers.

The study revealed that drivers aged 55 to 75 took their eyes and attention off the road for more than eight seconds compared to drivers aged 21 to 36 when performing simple driving tasks such as changing radio stations. or program the navigation system. Given that a driver’s risk of an accident doubles simply by taking their eyes off the road for two seconds, this is a very worrying statistic.

The AAA Foundation for Highway Safety collaborated with researchers at the University of Utah to determine the visual and cognitive demands created by six vehicles’ infotainment systems. Study participants were divided into two age groups: drivers aged 21 to 36 and drivers aged 55 to 75. Participants in each age group were asked to perform a series of tasks using the touch screen, including using voice commands, making a phone call, sending a text message, changing the radio station and programming the navigation system. all while driving the vehicle. .

The researchers found that the technology caused dangerous distractions for all drivers, but the safety risk was more significant for older drivers. For example, older drivers took 4.7 to 8.6 seconds longer than younger drivers to perform tasks such as making a call or programming the navigation system. Additionally, older drivers experienced slower response times and more visual distractions.

While the study suggests that large touchscreens are especially distracting to older drivers, design changes can be made to help drivers keep their eyes and attention on the road. According to AAA’s director of traffic safety research and advocacy, it’s not an age issue.

It’s more a question of design. Improvements such as simplifying software menus, eliminating complex center console controls, and improving voice command technology would make these systems safer for all drivers and meet the unique needs of older drivers. Even though it seems like it’s much easier to make bigger and bigger screens…

Other news that might interest you:

ON VIDEO | The motorcyclist “Rabbit” hits the rearview mirror of the Tesla

2024-01-22 17:22:46
#interior #modern #cars #market