Ford is currently working on a new generation of headlights that will be able to show speed limits and other warnings to drivers on the road in front of them. At the moment, this kind of information is usually shown on a head-up display so that the driver can keep his eyes on the road.
Ford's tests are also underway on new lighting technologies that could take this to a new level. More may be accomplished with the car headlights than simply illuminating the road ahead. With this new technology, the driver can get important information without taking their eyes off the road.
In the United Kingdom, 40% of accidents happen at night. Taking one's eyes off the road raises the likelihood of an accident. The car will travel 25 meters in one second if you're traveling at 90 kilometers per hour. In other words, looking at the navigation system for even a second can cause you to drive "blind" for ten meters or more. Because of this, it is easy to lose track of road signs or miss a sudden curve on a route without adequate lighting.
When connected to the car's systems, high-resolution headlights can project data.
High-definition headlights benefit the driver and other motorists with the information they project. For instance, a pedestrian crossing can be projected so drivers and pedestrians alike can see it. When road signs are unclear, technology can be a lifesaver. Potential applications include projecting information onto the road ahead of the vehicle, such as a designated bicycle passing zone.
You'll need to be ready to give them information on everything from the width of the parking lot to the possibility of snowy roads.
The driver can also get updates on weather and road conditions, such as when it starts to snow, when the fog rolls in, or when the roads get slick. Connecting the headlights to the GPS means you'll always know how to turn. The driver will have a much easier time determining whether or not the vehicle will fit in a narrow parking place or make it safely through a gap in the road if the driver projects the width of the car.
Watch a demo of the technology in action here.
