Car Tech

I have lived through a lot of changes in automobiles. I have seen power steering, power brakes, and even alternators come in. For safety I have experienced seat belt and car seat laws. OK – got it. But now it appears that I, we, need a new “safety” technology.

I think technology is great. It has made my final years more livable. But I think we may be going too far in cars.

My 40 something year old kids do everything on a phone. They completely trust their new technology. But I know something they don’t – technology sometimes fails. Power failures and hard drive crashes are inevitable. Sometimes you may find you are out of coverage for your cell phone. And lose a login or password? I have also been a victim to car sensor failures. You better have an alternative. When Alexa doesn’t answer what do you do? Do you really need your home thermostat or fridge tied to your phone?

But the federal government wants to come to our rescue like the Cavalry in old westerns! They want a law or policy dictating that ANOTHER sensor be added to all new cars that will shut down the car if the car detects erratic driving or if the car thinks you have drank too much. Don’t drop that phone while driving – picking it up may make your car suspect you are driving erratically – and shut the car off. Let’s hope this never comes to pass.

When I get in my car I believe I am the driver and I am in charge – not the car. But I’m an old guy and I don’t get it.