Anicet Mbida 06:51, 30 May 2023
Anicet Mbida gives us every morning what is best in innovation. This Tuesday, he is interested in a new way to change lanes on the highway, without touching the steering wheel, just with his eyes.
Today's innovation should bring more comfort on long journeys on the highway. We will be able to change lanes, just with our eyes, without touching the steering wheel.
Imagine: you want to overtake the car in front and go to the left lane. Well, just look at the left rearview mirror! Same thing when falling back: no need to touch the steering wheel. We take a look at the right rear-view mirror and the car will do the maneuver on its own: Acceleration, gears and of course flashing (which some tend to forget).
It is not yet the autonomous car, but a new driving aid. With cruise control, you no longer needed to touch the pedals. From now on, you don't even need to hold the steering wheel since the car will follow the lane by itself and will be able to overtake and fall back at a glance.
Isn't it dangerous? If you look at your rear-view mirror at the wrong time, for example?
No, fortunately, there are quite a few safeguards. First, the function is activated only on the highway and up to 130 km/h. Then, it is supported by cameras and radars. It will therefore be impossible to overtake or fall back automatically if the car detects the slightest danger. Finally, to avoid changing lanes by mistake (if you often look at your retros, for example), there will be a light indicator and a delay to confirm the maneuver.
It is BMW that has just announced this option on its next cars. And, like you, I find that a little worrying. Ford now offers a similar system. But you have to put your turn signal to change lanes automatically. BMW wants to go further by proposing to no longer have to move its hands.
Does that mean you'll be able to read your newspaper while driving?
No, because you will always have to keep your eyes on the road. There is a camera behind the wheel that monitors our eyes to know when to change lanes. But also, to check that you are not napping or watching videos on your phone. If this is the case, the car will go on alert and will stop on the side of the road.
Most manufacturers have abandoned the idea of having fully autonomous cars. On the other hand, they are determined to rely on these technologies to flatter our lazy side and improve comfort. But in any case, it will be necessary to remain master of the vehicle.