You can say what you will about modern tech getting in the way of driver involvement, but these ten systems make you a better driver.
10.) Automatic Headlights
Automatic headlights make sure we have the proper amount of light without blinding every oncoming car.
Suggested By: willkinton247, Photo Credit: Audi
9.) Digital Speedometers
I never really saw the need for a digital speed readout until I drove a car with one. It's fantastic to be able to get nice big, accurate read of your speed with just a quick glance down at your gauge cluster.
Suggested By: gmporschenut, Photo Credit: McLaren
8.) Heads Up Displays
Even better than a digital speedometer is a heads up display – it puts the information you need right in your sightline, so you never have to take your eyes off the road.
Suggested By: Chuck(ster) 2(O=[][]=O)2 , Photo Credit: Janitors
7.) Modern Tires
Tire technology has improved immensely in the modern era as Máté recently found out. These are the things that keep you stuck to the pavement, and not in a ditch.
Suggested By: Titan-E34 , Photo Credit: Chevrolet
6.) Satellite Navigation
No more messing around with cumbersome maps, trying to figure where you need to go. Satellite navigation lets you simply concentrate on the road ahead without any guesswork. It might not do any favors to your sense of direction, but it'll keep you concentrated on what's important.
Suggested By: $kaycog, Photo Credit: Raphael Orlove
5.) Automatic Transmissions
I might not win any fans around these parts for saying this, but a modern automatic/paddle shift gearbox will make you a safer and faster driver. You can keep both hands on the wheel and concentrate on carving a better line through the corners, just ask Aston Martin works driver James Davison.
Suggested By: The Daily Hoon , Photo Credit: McLaren
4.) Reverse Cameras
Reverse cameras are great at eliminating the guesswork for backing up, and a must when city driving. Maybe if the driver in that 2006 Ford Escape had a reverse camera she wouldn't have hit my Alfa Romeo, but I digress.
Suggested By: DennyCraneDennyCraneDennyCrane, Photo Credit: Ford
3.) Blind Spot Monitoring
Blind spot monitoring systems make you a safer, more aware driver on the highway and in the city. Some have a light that illuminates on the mirror to let you know if a car is in your blind spot, and some have an additional, angled mirror to augment your view behind. Both are equally useful.
Suggested By: SuperFluke and RazoE , Photo Credit: Robert Course-Baker
2.) Dash Cams
Here's a slightly unorthodox, but great suggestion from reader fiverguy. I'll let him explain his logic:
I've got something holding me accountable 24/7. I've even done post mortems on my own close calls to see where I could have exercised better avoidance techniques. You'd be surprised what happens/is learned when you watch your own driving.
Suggested By: fiverguy, Photo Credit: Jason Torchinsky
1.) Traction Control
Traction control can not only help keep you out of a ditch when your car is out of control, but it can make you look like an absolute hero on the track. The Ferrari 458 Speciale has a system called side-slip control or SSC, that allows you to hold big slides on the track without worry.
Suggested By: ncasolowork2, Photo Credit: Noble
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