Advances in technology have allowed auto manufacturers to improve vehicles and create amazing gadgets. Newer vehicles possess capabilities to make driving easier, more efficient, and safer. They include technologies that integrate your phone and car wirelessly, alert you of hazards and dangers ahead, and keep your car visible with automatic headlights and running lamps.
However, not all of us can afford a brand-new, modern vehicle. Fortunately, you don’t have to. There are tons of high-tech gadgets on the market to help make any vehicle safer (and keep it in style a.k.a not a complete “clunker”). Discover the top 5 gadgets that will increase your safety while driving below.
1. Navdy Head-Up Display
This nifty little tool is like something from the future. It is a small device navigation device that displays right on your windshield. This way you are looking straight ahead instead of glancing at your distracting phone or your car’s display console.
With the Navdy Head-Up Display you will be able to safely navigate to your destination with a simple and elegant, high-resolution roadmap display. This screen also shows your speed, estimated arrival time, and real-time traffic.
It connects wirelessly to your phone and connects to many different apps. You can set up the device to connect to messages, social media, music players, and more. This product also supports natural hand gestures when receiving calls so that you don’t have to fumble for your phone.
This is one of the pricier gadgets on our list at a selling price of $599. With its futuristic, augmented reality capabilities that help to reduce distracted driving, we think it’s worth it.
2. Spy Tec GPS Tracker 120
The Spy Tec GPS Tracker is a small tracking device that attaches to your vehicle and provides location and acceleration in real-time. It utilizes satellite technology and works alongside Google Maps. It updates location every 5 seconds and can send a notification to your phone if your car leaves a certain location.
And if you ever find yourself in an emergency, the Spy Tec Tracker can be configured to call any contact or law enforcement.
The device itself is $50, however, you must pay a monthly fee of $25 to use it.
3. Mobileye 560 120
Plenty of smart cars have built-in technologies that help drivers avoid accidents with the help of automatic stopping and signaling of hazards. With the Mobileye 560, you don’t know a fancy car to have similar safety features.
This small gadget detects pedestrians and other vehicles and alerts you when you are getting too close. It can measure speed, speed limits, and the distance between your car and another object. Mobileye also detects lane departures and warns you if the driver did not signal. All these features work as well at night as they do during the day.
Additionally, it has audio and voice alerts so that you can keep your eyes on the road instead of glancing at the screen to see what you need to avoid.
This system does need professional installation and the total cost is approximately $850-$1,000.
4. Automatic Car Adapter
Many drivers are not aware of what’s going in their cars at any given time until it’s too late. Usually, to get a diagnosis, you have to go to a local auto shop to figure out the problem. This can be detrimental when you need your vehicle for a road trip or even a long work commute.
Fortunately, the Automatic Car Adapter can diagnose car issues in real-time.
This small instrument plugs into your car’s OBD-II port and reads the vehicle’s onboard computer. By downloading the company’s free mobile app, you can find the following information about your car:
- Current engine issues.
- Trip mileage.
- Location of your car.
- Performance stats.
The Automatic Car Adapter can also help make emergency calls after an accident as well as connect it to a variety of apps like Amazon Echo and iWatch to improve the integration of your vehicle to prevent it from being totaled in an accident.
The cost of this gadget is about $50.
5. Lanmodo Night Vision System
The Lanmodo Night Vision System helps drivers to see at night. Even with sharp eyes and powerful headlights, nighttime vision can be difficult for humans. This system helps anyone see better at night and helps to avoid accidents.
This incredible device can see up to 984 feet ahead, has a 36-degree wide-angle vision, and operates in 1080p. The screen is crystal clear and in full color. Set up is easy and you don’t need a mechanic to do it.
Much like our first gadget, the Lanmodo Night Vision System is pricey. It is sold for $499 to $599. Although it comes at quite a cost, we think this device can be a lifesaver, especially if you regularly travel in dimly-lit areas at night.
