Electronics have transformed automotive safety in ways that no engineer could have imagined a few decades ago. Even today's entry-level vehicles employ as many as 10 airbags, along with electronic stability control and antilock braking technology. The list of safety systems is expected to grow in the near future. Backup cameras, lanekeeping systems, and forward collision monitors are planned for some 2013 models, and automakers are learning to design better, lighter safety cages.
We've collected images of forward-looking innovations. From airbags and vision systems to communications and safety cages, we present a few of the latest and greatest.
Click on the image below to start the slideshow.
A Bering Co. system for motorcyclists senses a crash and inflates a jacket-type airbag in just 80 msec. (Source: Bering Co.)
Watch a demonstration of Honda's forward collision warning system below.
Charles, you are right. Now a day's many soficated facilities and security protection methods are equipped with most of the high end vehicles, they can only alert the driver or passenger. The rest is with driver/passenger and how they are act up on the situations. I mean the sensors or other equipped devices may work fine with alerts, but if the driver is not able to respond means there is no use with such alerts.
I'm sure there's truth in what you say, Mydesign. Years ago, studies showed that drivers of larger vehicles had a similar problem -- a false sense of security. No matter how how good the airbag or how big the vehicle, safe driving is still a necessity.
It's all about false bravado, Chuck. We just lost a friend last year due to injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. He was safe, he was relatively still young, and while he adored his Harley, he was realistic about the safety issues.
It's a dangerous world out there and you know what, happens. Bikers should wear protective gear, just like we skiers now wear helmets religiously. That wasn't the case when I started skiing back in the 70s.
Charles, its good idea and I think it’s very helpful for motor cycle riders. First time am hearing about a similar jacket, recently I had read about a similar helmet. I think such jackets, helmets and pants can help us to reduce the causalities. But at the same time am afraid that, such things may increase irresponsible driving also.
Among some motorcycle riders, Beth, the logic is that "I'd rather die without a helmet than get a brain injury by wearing a helmet." I think we've probably all heard that logic. Unfortunately for them, I'm not aware of any study anywhere that supports that position.
While I disagree with your proposed mandate, robatnorcross, I do think there are motorcycle riders out there who are safe. It's just the daredevils that give you all a bad name. Stay safe out there.
As a (still living) motorcycle rider I can say that bikers are amoung the safest things on the road due to the fact that they are STILL on the road.
The most effective form of drivers testing would be to mandate that everyone ride a motorcycle for 1 year before being able to drive a car. If they are still alive after 12 months then they get a license for the automobile.
It's the ultimate in natural selection. The dumb/stupid ones get eliminated from the roads and the highways are safer for everyone else.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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