Graham Hill Explains The Latest In Car Technology

Friday, 4. June 2010

The key is – well, in the key, according to some road safety experts. We already have keys that chat away to the car’s engine management systems and record service information then transmit it to your local dealer. We now have an Alco-Lock which requires the driver to blow into the key and if they are over the limit the key won’t allow them to drive by locking up the immobiliser. Until the reading drops below the maximum level you will not be able to drive the car. Volvo already have this called Alco Guard. Newer technology is expected that will not require a breath sample, the technology will be built into the infrastructure using sensors in the steering wheel hub or measuring alcohol levels in the sweat. Other technology improvements, set to save lives, include ESP or ESC, as I keep banging on about, which is being fitted to more cars and some employers are now insisting upon it being fitted to company cars as it has been proven to save 25% more lives when fitted. This system effectively takes over the control of the car when it senses that the car is out of control. Even newer than ESC is Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) which automatically applies brakes to avoid a front end collision. Some manufacturers are already fitting the system such as Audi, Honda, Mercedes, Volvo and Toyota. Statistics prepared by Thatcham showed that out of 1,000 insurance claims, 26% were front end collisions. This new system will reduce repairs, injury claims, such as whiplash, and even deaths. By Graham Hill