5 ways your commute will improve by 2020

by Claire J. Content Manager

The way we travel is currently undergoing huge changes. In the next few years technological changes in our cars are set to make our vehicles safer, more efficient and easier to use. With the growing number of cars on our roads, car manufacturers and other companies are putting the pedal down in the hope of making the commute of consumer more enjoyable.

In the near future, our cars will be internet-connected, data collecting machines that aim to make the driving experience as enjoyable and as safe as possible. Some newer cars that are on the road right now have up to 130 interconnected computers within them, giving drivers information on their driving habits and traffic conditions as well as entertainment and other information. So, how will your commute improve in the coming years.

1. Easier Parking

It seems parking facilities are struggling to keep up with the number of cars hitting our roads. With 8 million people driving to and from work every day it’s no surprise finding a parking spot can be difficult. Many workplaces don’t offer adequate spaces, and commercial car parks can be expensive.

Startups like Parkhound are disrupting the market and making it easier for drivers to locate parking. Parkhound lets people rent out their unused driveways, lawn space and garages to drivers who need a spot. This allows people to earn some extra money, while allowing others access to a consistent parking space, at a cheaper rate then paying for a commercial parking space.

2. Hands-off controls

The driverless smart car is what we are all waiting for and while they may be some time off, new cars are increasingly being fitted out with voice-control functions. Although touch screens have been around for some time, it’s now becoming more common for drivers to be able to receive phone calls, text messages, play music, get directions and traffic warnings by simply telling their car what to do.

While voice-control seems like the obvious fix to the difficulty of navigating a touch screen while driving, some cars like the BMW 7 Series features Gesture Control, where your hand movements can get things done.

3. Safer Driving

Safety has always been a big selling feature in most cars but as technology advances, there’s a shift from protective safety towards preventative safety. For example, driver override and remote vehicle shutdown are now in most new cars, but lane-keeping technology and adaptive cruise control are also improving the safety of our commute.

Cars are beginning to be able to detect if you’re unintentionally moving out of your lane and can guide you back on track.

Vehicle-to-vehicle networking is also set to drastically improve our commute. While the many computers within a car are connected, soon, these computers will connect with other cars too. This will help inform drivers of traffic problems and the best ways around the issue.

4. Lower costs

Consumers are always calling for lower costs, so data monitoring apps, like GoFar, which help drivers save money are set to impact on the industry. The GoFar app can track and analyse your data in real time, helping you to achieve more efficient driving.

While the GoFar app is about making you a better and more efficient driver, some say that by 2020, drivers who agree to full tracking of their driving behaviour could receive a reduced rate from insurance companies.

Whether it’s an app that teaches you to drive better, or a function that monitors your driving habits, vehicle technology should help see prices lowered, one way or another.

5. Health conscious cars

Ok, the car might not be health conscious, but it will be able to alert you of your own health. Car companies are working on monitoring driver’s vital signs through sensors in the seatbelt and steering wheel. Soon, a car might be able to detect a heart attack, pull over and request an ambulance to its GPS location.

There’s no reason that this same system won’t be able to detect a driver’s attention level, if they’re alert or drowsy.

In the coming years, our commute is set to change for the better. Our cars will be connected pieces of technology. They will talk to us, and surrounding cars, updating the entire network of traffic problems, while also helping drivers to drive more efficiently. This has the potential to lower costs, while also reducing the risks we face on the road. Oh, and parking shouldn’t be the issue it is today!