‌ ‌Driving has always been a risky business, and unpredictable life-threatening events can happen anytime as long as you are a road user. The good news is that the world’s automobile industry is about to explode. A lot of breath-catching modern technologies are taking the auto industry by storm to make travelling much safer for humanity. For example, statistics show that the world may see 33 million driverless cars on its roads by 2040. From autonomous vehicles to warning systems, here are some new vehicle technologies that can revolutionise driving and safety. 

1. External airbags

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Airbags are protective vehicle systems consisting of bags of nitrogen gas that inflate to cushion drivers and passengers during crash events. For many decades, automakers have been installing airbags internally, but now the trend is about to change with manufacturers carefully considering how to fit external airbags into their vehicles. The idea is to save the lives of drivers, passengers and pedestrians when they collide with cars. These would minimise the impact of head-on collisions between cars and road users. In modern car models like the Land Rover Discovery, the bumper is fitted with sensors that can detect if there is a collision and activate an external airbag to cushion the victims. 

2. Lane departure warning

Drivers who stick to their lanes and drive responsibly make the highways safer for others. But, what if there was a system that could warn you if you jump your route? Lane departure warning systems already exist today. They alert drivers when they accidentally drift into other drivers’ lanes by monitoring road markings. Vehicles equipped with sophisticated versions of this technology can intervene by taking charge of the steering wheel and the brakes if the driver fails to react.

3. 360-degree view

Being able to see their surroundings completely is a dream come true for many drivers, because without a broader view, avoiding obstacles can be challenging for drivers. Auto innovators are rolling out new technologies to allow drivers to enjoy 360-degree views while cruising. Blind-spot tracking technology in vehicles can warn drivers when other vehicles are behind them. Smart sensors installed all over a car can also feed the driver with visual and audible intelligence to improve safety.

4. Automatic parking

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Self-driving cars are yet to pass all their safety tests, however, automatic features in vehicles can only get better with time. For instance, some cars now come with automated lighting systems that turn on headlights and taillights when they detect darkness. This stops drivers from having to flip light switches by themselves while on the steering wheel. Parking lots are also becoming safer, thanks to automatic parking systems. Once you navigate your car to the parking lot, sensors can spot obstacles and guide your vehicle to park safely.The bottom line is that driving and travelling are becoming safer as the auto industry takes a new turn towards advanced technologies. That means whether you buy used cars or brand-new vehicles, your driving experience will be more pleasurable, since there will be a safety guarantee.