Laser Windsheild. FROM GM!

[Mr. Wyndham]

I like to drive my own cars. And I DON'T like the idea of people relying on this tech, instead of their own eyes...but imagine the benefits this could have for real foggy/snowy/rainy conditions!

Bottom line is, this is breakthrough tech, and GM is at the forefront!

General Motors' high-tech laser windscreen detects road danger

A high-tech car windscreen that uses lasers and infrared sensors to identify hazards in the road is being developed to offset the failing eyesight of America's ageing population of motorists.

General Motors says its system, currently at the research stage, will even be able to detect the edge of the road itself and project all the outlined objects on to the windscreen.

Chrysler, another major car maker, says it is working on a similar system.
The number of Americans aged 65 and over is predicted to double within 20 years and this baby boomer generation is particularly wedded to its cars.

Responding to criticism that the new technology will be distracting, GM stressed that it will only enhance a few objects that are already in the driver's view.

For example, during a foggy drive, a laser projects a blue line on to the windscreen that follows the edge of the road.

If the sensors detect a person or animal in the driver's path during a night drive, its outline is also projected on to the glass to highlight its location.

The projections are made possibly by a transparent coating on the windscreen that lights up when struck by ultraviolet light.

Sensors have to determine the position of the car in relation to the road while other devices track the driver's head and eye movement to make sure the image on the windscreen is not skewed.

Cynthia Owsley, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, said the increasing number of older drivers had "enormous implications for road safety in our country".

Some features of the GM system would be helpful to drivers of all ages. If a driver is speeding, a pink box frames an approaching speed limit sign to attract the driver's attention.
LINK

[stovt001]

Or, you know, they could enforce strict vision requirements on drivers, so that only safe, capable people were operating these two-ton death missiles. That would also ease a bit of congestion. But of course, that is the practical answer, and not the feel-good politically correct answer, so its worthless.

[theholycow]

Camaros with FRIKKIN LASER BEAMS!!!

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by stovt001

Or, you know, they could enforce strict vision requirements on drivers, so that only safe, capable people were operating these two-ton death missiles. That would also ease a bit of congestion. But of course, that is the practical answer, and not the feel-good politically correct answer, so its worthless.

If you can't see, you SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING!!! I do, however, think this is going to be a HUGE improvement in technology. Now...new problem....you are driving to the coast on a 65 mph highway with your beautiful new laser screen windshield able to see just fine in the dense fog...since it projects the roadway edge and cars in front of you. So, you go a little faster, no? False sense of security? When suddenly, you come flying up on the guy in front of you w/out the tech since he can't see....and he's doing 20mph.

Great tech. Hopefully that false sense of security doesn't take over for some people.

Originally Posted by theholycow

Camaros with FRIKKIN LASER BEAMS!!!

[Congoman775]

i live in naples florida. Which has the highest % of old people (over 65) in the entire world. i think 68% of our population is over 65.

please GM....

Help these people drive!!!!!!!

[NOODLESgoneWILD]

Unless you want to drive your parents or grandparents to the doctor every other day, then by all means only allow those with 20/20 or better to drive a car.

I agree you must have good vision to drive a car, as most people can see very well in normal light conditions, yet in twilight hrs and bad weather conditions, it can be difficult for even the best sighted drivers to see the road (i.e. Sun in your eyes/ sun light relecting of wet pavement...ect..ect)

This technology will be for the masses and will benifit everyone once it becomes a standard in all new cars....

Think big picture!

[AirGoya]

Its cool that they will have technology like this but if it has to be used that means that there is something wrong. Like Tag said, if you cant see, dont drive.

[NOODLESgoneWILD]

Originally Posted by AirGoya

Its cool that they will have technology like this but if it has to be used that means that there is something wrong. Like Tag said, if you cant see, dont drive.

Im going to assume your eye sight is perfect! So has there ever been a time you were blinded by sunlight of wet pavement or snow? Are you tell me this wouldn't be a useful tool for the everyday man as well?

Also there are alot of people who don't have perfect vision and need to get to work and back. At what point to we say you can't drive? 20/40....20/100...keep in mind you might be in this catagory someday!

[pinkcamaro10]

Originally Posted by NOODLESgoneWILD

Im going to assume your eye sight is perfect! So has there ever been a time you were blinded by sunlight of wet pavement or snow? Are you tell me this wouldn't be a useful tool for the everyday man as well?

Also there are alot of people who don't have perfect vision and need to get to work and back. At what point to we say you can't drive? 20/40....20/100...keep in mind you might be in this catagory someday!

You wont be saying that when some old geezer accidently bumps your brand new camaro in a new parking lot.

[NOODLESgoneWILD]

Originally Posted by pinkcamaro10

You wont be saying that when some old geezer accidentally bumps your brand new Camaro in a new parking lot.

I'll take my chances: See list of accident below.

In 1986 My 1968 Toyota Corona was vandalized beyond repair in the park and ride parking lot by three 16 year old boys.

In 1988 My 1987 Chevy Turbo Sprint was totaled after i was broad Sided by a 17 year old girl, pulling out of a MacDonald’s @ 12:30am with her lights OFF.

In 2003/4 My 1999 Chevy Silverado was backed into twice, once by a 17 year old girl and second By a hit and run (Prob young boy)

I'll take my chance with a senior citizen...they don't drive fast enough to total your car, nor would they hit and run your car (Intentionally)

[pinkcamaro10]

I work across the street from a pharmacy that A LOT of old people go to, and atleast 3 times a week, they either accidently back into the car across from them, or the dont put their car in reverse and just drive into it. They hobble out of their car, look, get back in and drive off.

To me a big ass dent in the door or bumper is a big deal. Especially on something ive waited 3 years for, and especially something i paid 30K for.

[NOODLESgoneWILD]

Originally Posted by pinkcamaro10

I work across the street from a pharmacy that A LOT of old people go to, and at least 3 times a week, they either accidentally back into the car across from them or the don’t put their car in reverse and just drive into it. They hobble out of their car, look, get back in and drive off.

To me a big ass dent in the door or bumper is a big deal. Especially on something ive waited 3 years for, and especially something i paid 30K for.

No doubt...I can only speak from my personal experiences! But from what you've said...I'll use the drive through at the local pharmacy’s. Thanks for the heads up!

[pinkcamaro10]

Originally Posted by NOODLESgoneWILD

No doubt...I can only speak from my personal experiences! But from what you've said...I'll use the drive through at the local pharmacy’s. Thanks for the heads up!

Trust me! that is a wise decision.. and never park close to handicap spots.

[NOODLESgoneWILD]

Originally Posted by pinkcamaro10

Trust me! that is a wise decision.. And never park close to handicap spots.

I'll take your word for it! I drive my '05 Vette as a daily driver...and I try and choose (what I consider) the least likely spot to get Door dinged or a run away shopping cart...but I know someday it will happen...put I guess that’s why we insure our cars...right!