Vibrating cars could lower motor insurance costs

Posted :27-09-2005

Vibrations in the hands, feet and bottoms of motorists could reduce the number of accidents by 15 per cent and therefore bring down the cost of car insurance, according to researchers at Oxford University.

Vibrating warning devices, not heavy bass-lines from car stereos, could become an integral part of car design within the next few years, warning drivers of approaching hazards.

'Soothing' smells have also been pioneered by French carmaker Citroen, in an attempt to reduce road rage and stress-induced accidents.

Dr Charles Spence and his team of researchers have found that alternate methods of providing warning signals are required and these need to come from a certain direction, as many drivers react from an information overload trying to react to signals and avoid an accident.

The study then looked at placing vibrating sensors in the steering wheel, seats, seatbelts and pedals, as well as audio alarms placed in various locations around the car.

This system would therefore allow directional warnings – for example, a hazard approaching from the rear would set off the audio alarms at the back of the car, and the rear of the car seat would vibrate.

Excessive speed would cause the accelerator to vibrate, allowing the driver to react more quickly.

The measures are expected to become standard in many cars in the near future, with Citroen already including them in their new C4 and C5 models.

The new technologies are more good news for motorists looking for safer cars, safer roads, and cheaper car insurance.

© Adfero Ltd

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