No matter whether you drive an old or new car, there are plenty of great devices, add-ons and apps available designed to help you drive more safely. Many of the devices are ideal for reducing the risk of distracted driving, while some of them just add a cool factor to your driving experience.
Here is a quick look at some of the top tech devices available that make driving a dream:
Bluetooth Connectivity
One of the major contributors for traffic accidents is thought to be distracted driving. You can reduce the risk of being distracted by your smartphone by taking advantage of Bluetooth connectivity.
Bluetooth allows you to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, but still gives you control over some devices in your vehicle. For example, your cell phone connects through your car stereo to allow you to listen to phone calls through the car speakers. Likewise, you can play music or change the station too.
Some new vehicles, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, are fitted with Bluetooth as a standard feature. For older model cars, there are aftermarket devices that let you hook up your smartphone to Bluetooth too.
Google Maps
Google Maps is an app you can download to your smartphone that gives you navigation and directions to help you get to your destination safely. The app also provides life traffic updates and alternate route options, so you can avoid congested areas and get where you’re going.
You can also use the app to check out the street view of a specific location, so you can see at a glance what landmarks you’re looking for. Google Maps is available for both Apple iOS and Android smartphones.
Driver Assistance Devices
There are a range of drive assistance devices available that are ideal for helping with various driving issues. Some devices offer features such as adaptive cruise control or automatic lights and safety braking. Others are designed to scan the area immediately around the car to show you cars or bikes in your blind spot or pedestrians behind the car.
The majority of driver assistance devices are very easy to install into almost all makes and models of cars or trucks.
Dash Cams
While dash cams can’t prevent an accident, they can be invaluable for protecting yourself in the event that you’re involved in an incident. If you are involved in a vehicle accident, the data recorded by your dash cam can be presented as evidence to confirm who may be at fault.
Driver assistance devices offer a range of safety features that reduce your risk of being involved in an accident and help to minimize driver distraction. Some of the technology also makes it easier for you to get to your destination safely without getting caught in traffic jams. With so much new technology being released all the time, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enhance your driving experience by using them.
Alex Heartley is a bit of a gadget fiend! Always one of the first to get the newest gadget on the market, and with more apps than he knows quite what to do with, Alex is your go-to gadget guy for tips, reviews and advice.
