Hi-tech car calls focus on safety
23.02.12
Lead researcher Chris Vains said the same technology contributing to the carnage should be harnessed to reverse the trend.
Electronic messages could be sent to drivers and pedestrians using devices such as iPods, mobile phones and in-car GPS sat-nav systems, interrupting them with a warning that could save lives.
It was also possible to grab drivers' attention via transparent displays on a car's windscreen, allowing them to view important information, such as speed limits and changed traffic conditions, without having to take their eyes off the road.
"With technology available today, we can pre-warn drivers of a road hazard well before it occurs via a wireless alert system that talks directly to the car - through a virtual dashboard on the driver's windscreen," Mr Vains said.
"Likewise, when a pedestrian is approaching a dangerous situation, we can interrupt their phone call or iPod track with a safety message."
Such information could be sent to pedestrians via sensor transmitters located at major road intersections, railway crossings and pedestrian crossings.
Source: Herald Sun