Though it’s only in the research stage now, the technology soon will be more useful than ever. The population of drivers 65 and older in the U.S. will nearly double in about 20 years, meaning more people will be struggling to see the road like they used to.
GM’s new windshield won’t improve their vision, but it will make objects stand out that could otherwise go unnoticed by an aged eye. It’s possible because of a transparent coating on the windshield that lights up when struck by ultraviolet light.
In fog, a laser projects a blue line onto the windshield that follows the edge of the road. If infrared sensors detect a person or animal on a dark road, its outline is projected on the windshield to highlight its location. Other devices track the driver’s head and eye movement to make sure the image on the windshield isn’t skewed.
Sensors have to determine the position of the car in relation to the road, while other devices track the driver’s head and eye movement to make sure the image on the windshield isn’t skewed.
The windshield is designed specifically for older drivers, who have vision problems at a much higher rate than other age groups. Currently, 12% of the population is 65 or older, but by 2030, that percentage is projected to jump to 20%.