This week’s in-depth article takes a close look at Audi’s much-ballyhooed sequential turn signals. They’re already on the R8, and now they’re said to be coming to the higher-volume A8. They join a list of other vehicles, new and old, that have been equipped in various markets with turn signals animated by timed illumination of multiple lit elements. But there are interesting wrinkles in the story: the discussion over whether and how sequential turn signals are OK isn’t yet complete within the regulatory development arena. Audi are proud of their attractive new signals, and say they will improve safety. Most of the experts agree. But some are concerned about what it means for the regulatory system’s health and wellbeing if a novel device is type-approved before all involved parties have agreed it should be…or can be.
Last week, we brought you interesting developments highlighting the increasing integration and blurring of lines between the virtual world and the real one, as in a technical symposium being held in Detroit that you can attend in person, or you can view as a live stream and then as an archived series of tele-lectures. This week that theme continues with news about expansions of V2x communication-based safety systems to include pedestrians and motorcyclists.
As always, please feel free to take a moment and send us your questions and comments on anything you see in the weekly news (or anything you don’t see, but would like to). Feedback from DVN members like you is crucial to our central task of responding to your needs, wants, and queries.
Sincerely yours,
Daniel Stern
DVN General Editor