Cars that warn each other
A motorist may discover the flood the hard way, but a connected system designed for local conditions could warn the next one before that driver becomes the subject of another reel.
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A motorist may discover the flood the hard way, but a connected system designed for local conditions could warn the next one before that driver becomes the subject of another reel.
Our cars already talk to one another through their horns. In the Philippines, however, a short beep can feel personal and a long one can sound like a declaration of war, perhaps because we have watched too many teleseryes.
Volvo has developed a quieter and more useful way for its connected cars to communicate by sharing warnings about hazards ahead.
On 26 August, Volvo announced four more alerts under its Connected Safety system. The Large Animal Alert can warn approaching drivers when a large animal is detected on or near the road, while the Vulnerable Road User Alert does the same for pedestrians and cyclists on or near highways.
Large animals are uncommon in Metro Manila, while the “crocs” motorists joke about at some traffic stops are probably outside Volvo’s current detection list.
The system can also send warnings about roadwork and accidents ahead. This could give the next driver more time to slow down before the danger comes into view.
The new alerts will be available in the Volvo EX60, EX90 and ES90 in Europe, the United States and Canada, although timing will vary by model. Volvo has not announced their availability in the Philippines.
Volvo first launched Connected Safety in 2016. Its existing alerts cover slippery roads and vehicles that have activated their hazard lights.
A system that works only among a small number of cars has limited reach. It becomes far more useful when different brands and traffic agencies can exchange compatible safety data.
Navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps have already taught motorists to expect reports about accidents and road closures. However, these reports can depend on someone entering the information.
A connected vehicle can send warnings from its own sensors, while a traffic management agency such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) could provide accident information before a motorist reaches the area.
Connected warnings, however, also have limits because the vehicle needs an internet connection and the feature must be active.
Any Philippine rollout would need clear terms for connectivity. Motorists would want to know whether data service comes with the car or requires a separate subscription, particularly those who rely on prepaid data rather than unlimited plans.
Poor mobile coverage along some routes could also delay or prevent a warning.
A Philippine version would need cooperation among car companies and traffic agencies.
Flood warnings would be another useful local application, although Volvo’s current Slippery Road Alert does not measure water depth. Such information would have to come from road authorities or dedicated flood sensors.
Some motorists rely on social media posts and videos to identify flooded streets, although the update sometimes arrives so late that the floodwater around the car has already confirmed the report.
A motorist may discover the flood the hard way, but a connected system designed for local conditions could warn the next one before that driver becomes the subject of another reel.
