“Transforming Road Rage: How Technology Can Help You Stay Calm Behind the Wheel” | HackerNoon

Road rage is a real issue for many drivers. You’ve probably seen someone lose their temper while stuck in traffic. Sadly, it seems like road rage is on the rise. With new technology being developed, could our cars help calm angry drivers?

How Serious Is Road Rage in the United States?

Understanding road rage starts with recognizing how common it is. Common behaviors that lead to road rage include speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving. Mondays and Fridays, especially during the afternoon rush, are often the worst times for these incidents.

In 2023, about 92% of drivers reported witnessing road rage, while roughly 89% said they experienced it themselves. Have you ever been in that situation?

Many believe that heavy traffic triggers road rage. Stressed drivers running late often make it worse. Younger drivers sometimes get tagged as major contributors to this problem. However, technology might offer ways to cool down tempers.

How Could Technology Help?

Let’s explore how technology is changing the way we drive and could help manage road rage.

Chatbot Messaging

The Nissan Leaf electric vehicle comes equipped with a chatbot that can chat with the driver. It might ask questions like, “What’s bothering you?” and offer advice, such as “Break your problem into smaller pieces.” It responds to signs of frustration from the driver.

If you were stuck in traffic and your car started talking to you, would that help? At first, it might distract you. Over time, it could lift your spirits and help you focus on the road again.

Long commutes and rushing can make anyone irritable. Having a chatbot as a companion may ease that frustration. Other car brands are eyeing this type of technology, but we’re still waiting to see more releases.

Biometric Sensors and Cameras

In 2019, Huawei patented a system using sensors and cameras to gauge drivers’ emotions. It can even check a driver’s blood pressure through a smartwatch. If it detects high stress or anger levels, it could slow the car down or stop it altogether.

Road rage usually stems from aggressive thoughts. Monitoring these emotions could prevent escalation, though stopping a car on a busy road poses risks. This patent is still waiting for a launch, and details are scarce.

LED Displays

LED displays in vehicles can do many things, from showing vital information to entertaining passengers. They could also help defuse tense driving situations.

Imagine having an LED display on your back window. You could send an apology to a driver behind you, turning a heated moment into a calmer interaction. Often, misunderstandings lead to road rage; a simple apology could change the mood.

AI and ML Learning

In-car mood monitoring systems with cameras, AI, and machine learning show a lot of promise. Jaguar Land Rover tested a system in 2019 that monitored driver emotions through facial expressions and biometric data.

The car could change lighting and play calming music if it senses the driver is stressed or angry. This technology adapts over time, learning the driver’s preferences. Other companies, like Smart Eye, are also developing similar mood-monitoring systems.

Can Technology Solve Road Rage?

While these technologies offer hope, there’s still work to do. It’s easier to address our emotions directly than rely solely on tech solutions.

Immediate Solutions

When you feel frustration building up, it’s easy to let it out. While driving, you can’t punch a wall or slam a fist. Instead, that anger might spill over onto other drivers.

Nissan’s chatbot illustrates how conversation can help. Just as talking to a passenger can soothe you, a chatbot could do the same. Using an LED display to communicate could also ease tensions by sharing why you made a particular move on the road.

Aggressive drivers might feel anonymous in their cars. Adding a name to an LED apology could make them think twice about their actions. Could this technology help? It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.

Looking Ahead

Though promising, these technologies still need refinement. Impulsive reactions often lead to road rage, and changing music or lighting might not always help. Currently, mood monitoring may work best for fleet managers rather than individuals facing road rage. Future research might improve these systems.

Using Technology to Manage Road Rage

At the end of the day, preventing road rage comes down to control. If we could manage our emotions better, we wouldn’t need technological aids. But since that’s not always possible, these innovations could contribute to smoother drives. Technology might ease symptoms, but it can’t completely solve the underlying issues.