Smart cars to warn drowsy-drivers
Volvo is trying to retain its image as a leader in safety with new technology designed to help drowsy drivers.
Volvo and its owner, Ford Motor Co., released results of a study on the problem Wednesday at the New York Auto Show and announced plans for the technology to be included in Volvo cars and SUVs before the end of the decade.
Because the features are still several years from being offered in cars for sale, Ford was cagey about details for competitive reasons. It described a few different products that had been developed and were being considered as options.
Ford spokesman Mike Vaughn said they tested computerized optical scanning and a variety of warnings: a vibrating steering wheel, the sound of a car driving over rumble strips and a visual warning projected on the windshield. Researchers also tested a so-called "active" system in which the vehicle would actually adjust the steering automatically if it veered too far one way or the other.
