People rely on increasingly sophisticated technology in many areas of their lives these days, including when they get behind the wheel. Cars now boast an impressive array of hi-tech features designed to make motorists’ experiences easier and more pleasurable. For example, many cars now have built-in Bluetooth connectivity that enables drivers to communicate by phone. It also allows users to audio stream from connected phones and it even means drivers can listen to and send text messages without touching their mobiles.

Satellite Navigation

Then there is sat nav to consider. Even though these devices are relatively new to the motoring world, they are now taken for granted by many road users. Indeed, some motorists have never even learned to read a map, relying completely on these handy little devices instead.

As well as being convenient, there is some evidence to suggest that sat navs can make journeys safer. Some years ago, Roadsafe magazine featured the results of a six-month research programme conducted by the Dutch research institute TNO on behalf of Athlon Car Lease, Delta Lloyd, Aon and TomTom. It found that using satellite navigation improves people’s driving behaviour when they are travelling through unknown destinations. It revealed that such people stopped 25 per cent less frequently and were stationary 35 per cent less than drivers without the systems. Also, sat nav users committed 50 per cent fewer inappropriate actions, such as ignoring traffic signs.

In addition, the study suggested that these devices could heighten alertness and reduce driver stress levels. Nearly eight in ten (78 per cent) of users reported feeling that they had everything under control. Satellite navigation may also help the environment as it was found to reduce the number of miles driven by 16 per cent.

GPS Navigation

These days, people have plenty of options when they are on the lookout for sat navs and by far the most dominant players in the market are TomTom and Garmin. By choosing versions that suit their needs, consumers can help ensure they are able to get from A to B as quickly, safely and straightforwardly as possible. Also, they can replace their unwieldy maps with these neat devices.

Self-driving cars

Perhaps the ultimate in motoring developments is the self-driving car. This has long been the stuff of science fiction, but now researchers and engineers are turning the idea into a reality. Earlier this year, a team from Oxford University demonstrated a car that is able to drive itself on familiar routes, the BBC reported. The system relies on lasers and small cameras to memorise journeys and those behind the project are aiming to produce a low-cost system that can help “take the strain” off drivers. Oxford University does not have the only scientists working on such initiatives – other firms, including search giant Google, are also developing their own self-drive cars.