Eventually, cars will be able to know its surroundings and do a better job of driving and navigating than its owners. Some concepts that aren’t too far in the future:

• Rear-end collision detection warning
  Can the industry use the current back-up warning sensors that alerts drivers when a small child or obstacle is behind the car as it is moving in reverse to also warn of an impending rear-end collision? The same data that alerts a driver of the tricycle in the driveway is being used in some cars to send a signal to tighten seatbelts and move headrests closer to drivers’ and passengers’ heads to prepare for a collision from behind.

• Anti-pinch power doors or windows
  Experts are working on algorithms to “teach” sensors the difference between benign door and window obstructions—such as dirt or debris—or injurious obstructions, such as fingers or toes. Doors or windows will no longer close if an occupant is in the way.

• Oncoming collision avoidance, courtesy of your car’s microprocessors
  
  o Avoidance of oncoming cars. One day, cars will “see” better than their drivers, in fog or rain, using radar, sonar and video electronics, and use that information to help their drivers avoid obstacles.

o Warning systems, braking, and all-wheel drive. Using collision-warning systems, the car may one day be able to direct the anti-lock braking system and the all-wheel drive electronics to avoid an oncoming collision.

o Vehicle-to-vehicle communications on superhighways. To avoid or eliminate multi-car pile-ups, braking cars may be able to send signals to cars that follow behind, automatically slowing all cars, using obstacle detection and avoidance with anti-lock braking technologies.

• Car navigation
  Within the next year, a car’s global positioning system will be able to tell a driver where to find the cheapest gas station, and where to find a sale for items on the family grocery list.