By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
To many, they might seem barely noticeable—those ever-present traffic signs and
painted highway lines. Yet, they are increasingly integral to the technology within today’s
automobiles.
As we navigate our routes, relying heavily on GPS and applications like
Google Maps and Waze, the large green signs overhead or the direction to veer left or
right become almost invisible to us. Similarly, the sight of construction-induced,
haphazardly painted lines might evoke images of a child’s scribbles rather than a guide
through detours. But, as long as our faithful GPS systems guide our turns and track our
remaining miles, we pay little heed.
Recently, my wife upgraded to a new car, leaving behind her eight-year-old 2016 Kia
Sorento for a vehicle replete with advanced features we had yet to experience. Delving
into the owner’s manual, we were struck by its focus not on traditional concerns like
engine oil and tire pressure, but rather on the vehicle’s sophisticated technology—a
veritable computer on wheels. Among its futuristic features, the car can start without a
key and the rear liftgate opens with a simple wave of a foot under the bumper. My wife
was particularly captivated by the customizable and ambient lighting, choosing a soothing
dark blue to enhance her driving atmosphere.
Yet, beyond these comforts, it was the safety advancements that truly impressed us,
especially on the highway. My wife recounted how, during a lane change, she felt a
gentle nudge steering her back to her original lane—a feature designed to correct
inadvertent lane departures unless a turn signal is activated. Intrigued, I discovered that
the car uses the highway’s white lines as guides, maintaining lane integrity. However,
the manual cautioned that during snowfall or at construction sites, where lines might be
obscured, extra vigilance is necessary.
Another notable technology was a dashboard icon displaying the current speed limit,
captured by a bumper-mounted camera that reads roadside signs. Furthermore, with
four cameras providing a 360-degree view, maneuvering and parking have never been
safer or easier, ensuring that obstacles are clearly visible and avoidable. Additionally,
the car boasts a safety mechanism to halt the vehicle if the driver becomes
incapacitated, a feature we hope remains unused.
In conclusion, traditional road signage and markings are far from obsolete. In fact, their
importance is likely to grow alongside the development of autonomous vehicles. With
more cars soon equipped to interpret roadways, we can anticipate a reduction in
accidents and fatalities. While my wife’s new car stops short of self-navigation, it
represents a significant leap from the vehicles of yesteryear. Adapting to this “computer
on wheels” may take some time, but it's a testament to the remarkable strides in
automotive technology.