Land Rover believes its latest steering wheel
technology could reduce distracted driving, and all it takes are some heating
and cooling elements.
The "sensory steering wheel," as JLR calls
it, was revealed on Wednesday. The system works by either rapidly heating or
cooling a side of the steering wheel to let drivers know when they need to make
a turn as part of a navigation route. To JLR, the heating and cooling keep
drivers focused on the road. Often, drivers take their eyes off the road
briefly to check a screen for a driving route. The automaker's research has
also shown audible alerts and vibrations sometimes prove more distracting
behind the wheel. In the research, drivers responded well to the heating and
cooling feedback.
When the driver approaches the street or junction where he
or she needs to turn, the steering wheel can warm or cool itself by 43 degrees
Fahrenheit to alert the driver to make the turn. JLR underscored the sensation
happens quickly, and it would need to. We imagine many scenarios in which the
sensation is prolonged or vague that could create confusion as to which
junction or street is the appropriate path.
According to the company, the system is also beneficial in
poor weather. For example, the sensory feedback could help drivers during heavy
rain or fog to know where the correct turn is.
The automaker added the same elements could be added to gear
shift paddles for cars that could switch into a self-driving mode. Drivers
would know when the car has totally taken over control through the heating or
cooling effect. JLR also imagines the technology as
a warning for low fuel or a means of calling out points of interest on the
navigation map.
JLR didn't say it has any plans to implement the technology
in the near future, but it's an interesting, if unproven, way to help curb
distracted driving.
by Sean Szymkowski
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