Apple reveals sat nav plans

Apple has filed a patent for a sat-nav system that focuses on driver safety.

The IT giant stated details of the device, which could be hard-wired into a vehicle or used in a docking station, in an eleven-page document.

It states that there have been incidents in which such technology has proved to be a danger to drivers, as they are focusing their attention on using the system rather than driving.

To help remedy this problem Apple has come up with a touch screen satnav which will include a loudspeaker and hands-free voice commands.

Earlier this year, a study by the Transport Research Laboratory found that sat-navs could increase the likelihood of car sickness.

Sat-navs will promote green driving

In-car navigation systems of the future will promote green driving by telling the driver when to change gear to maximise fuel economy and chastising the motorist who drives erratically, prompting some to dub the devices ‘sat nags’ rather than a sat-navs.

Vehicles equipped with video cameras, GPS and gyroscopes are currently building the three-dimensional map of British roads that will form the basis of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

The ADAS sat nav will give users a three-dimensional view of the road, including obstacles and road width. It is hoped that the system, which will be in shops within three years, will help prevent articulated lorries getting stuck in narrow country lanes.

Crash-proof cars

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “This technology may mark a step towards a car of the future that will not allow itself to be driven badly.”

Mazda has developed an early warning system, which applies the brakes early if it decides a crash is unavoidable, and is able to assess road conditions itself.

What is green driving?

The terms ‘eco driving’ and ‘green driving’ refer to simple techniques to encourage safer, more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly motoring.

Eco driving	… at a glance
Take it smooth	Avoiding harsh acceleration and braking saves fuel and reduces wear and tear – it leaves you feeling more relaxed, too
Anticipate	By looking as far as possible up the road it’s possible to reduce stop/start driving, thereby reducing fuel consumption and making you a safer driver into the bargain
Shed weight	Remove unnecessary clutter from your car and you will use less fuel
Improve your areodynamics	If you don’t regularly use your roof rack or top box, remove it as it’s reducing the efficiency of your car