Smart cars could cut accidents

Iria · Sep 5, 2005, 08:42 PM

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Whether it is wafting lavender or citrus scents to calm drivers and keep them awake, or vibrating seat belts to get them to slow down, smart cars in the future could help reduce road accidents.

Dr Charles Spence, an experimental psychologist at England's University of Oxford, said on Monday scientists were studying utilizing the senses such as smell and touch to develop features in cars to make driving safer.

"Touch is completely unused at the moment," Spence told a science conference.

Drowsiness and distraction are leading causes of road traffic accidents and deaths, but Spence said vibrating seats, belts or foot pedals could alert drivers in a subtle way to a dangerous situation.
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Read More / Source: Reuters

Sep 5, 2005, 08:42 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Smart cars could cut accidents DUBLIN (Reuters) - Whether it is wafting lavender or citrus scents to calm drivers and keep them awake, or vibrating seat belts to get them to slow down, smart cars in the future could help reduce road accidents. Dr Charles Spence, an experimental psychologist at England's University of Oxford, said on Monday scientists were studying utilizing the senses such as smell and touch to develop features in cars to make driving safer. "Touch is completely unused at the moment," Spence told a science conference. Drowsiness and distraction are leading causes of road traffic accidents and deaths, but Spence said vibrating seats, belts or foot pedals could alert drivers in a subtle way to a dangerous situation. __________ Read More / Source: Reuters