Some pricey technology touted as “life-saving” may be more of a distraction than an aid, according to a new report by Money magazine. Columnist Lawrence Ulrich says adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning systems, and night vision fall into this category. Ulrich says he had no luck with adaptive lights designed to peer around curves. “The adaptive lights do little or nothing to improve the nighttime view, even on dark and winding country roads where you’d most expect to see some difference.” Ulrich also said lane-departure systems are far more annoying than helpful, with false alarms and inability to see road markings under dirt or snow. As for night vision, Ulrich asks, “On a dark two-laner, should I really be looking at a dashboard screen? Am I not better off just watching the road?”
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02/16, 9:50 AM
posted by:
nikivee
I’ve been saying that for years. Lots of useless crap that adds undue expense to a car and it all it does is make a driver less attentive to the road.
02/16, 2:16 PM
posted by:
Longhorn
I disagree with his comments on adaptive lighting….
02/16, 2:30 PM
posted by:
Thesandman
Night vision should be HUD.
02/16, 9:25 PM
posted by:
jim sanders
Like all high tech items, I think Reading The F- Manual is required. A user of the system needs to know what the system does, when is it useful, and when is it not.
The columnist’s comments sound like an ignorant user who is finding out about deficiencies in the system while in action, instead of being briefed beforehand.
On the other hand, systems should automatically warn the user when they are unable to perform their duty, or when the system has reduced capabilities. That is a programming defect by the manufacturer.
As such, these system are unsuitable for drivers who did not advance to the computer age…
02/17, 2:57 AM
posted by:
Chris G
I don’t know…having a “distracting” night vision screen warning me of a stopped motorist changing a flat…or staring into a black void. Which to choose? And by the way, Ulrich, radar can see further than xenons. That’s why we don’t see bright pulses of bluish-white light coming from the tops of air traffic control towers.
02/17, 3:05 AM
posted by:
Chris G
Sorry, that was stupid. The BMW 7 Series and 2007 S Class both employ infrared imaging cameras, not radar. I was confusing the night vision with adaptive cruise control (which, btw, is also worth the cost, given the fact that people don’t signal anymore). Infrared can still see farther than bi-xenons.
02/19, 5:39 PM
posted by:
Kevin
It`s worth it