Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/157485
Safety Alert Seat – Cadillac A seat that vibrates to alert the driver of safety threats. Comes standard on the 2013 Cadillac XTS luxury sedan. The tech: A computer network The benefits: An audio or video alert sends a pulse to the left or right side can be missed, especially if the music is of the seat – or both sides if the danger is loud. But it is hard to ignore, if you will, coming from the front or rear – to alert a kick in the butt. And the sooner a the driver to potential dangers, such as driver can recognize a hazard, the more the vehicle drifting out of its lane or quickly he or she can react. In the imminent risk of a collision. The system future, these types of technologies may gathers data from ultrasonic sensors, evolve to the point that drivers aren't radar and cameras to analyze surround- part of the equation at all. GM, for one, ings and spot potential hazards. estimates that fully autonomous, selfdriving vehicles could be available as early as the next decade. Cadillac's safety alert seat gives drivers a buzz on the left or right side if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane without the turn signal activated. Zero-Gravity Seat – Nissan An ergonomic seat that emulates a weightless environment. A six-way manual-adjusting version comes standard on the 2013 Altima base model. Power-adjustable versions appear in the Altima SV and SL. The tech: "Nissan used research done The benefits: Running off the road – by NASA in zero gravity to better under- often associated with fatigue – is a com- stand a human's natural posture," says mon driver error resulting in death and Tim Franklin, senior manager of prod- injury. In Manitoba, about nine people uct planning for Nissan Canada. Then die each year in crashes due to driver it teamed up with the Yamazaki Labora- fatigue. The zero-gravity seat aims to tory at Japan's Keio University, which help keep drivers fresh and alert for specializes in ergonomically designed longer, which should keep them safer furniture. The result is a seat that pro- as a result. Comfy! Nissan's zero-gravity seat, available in the 2013 Altima. vides continuous support from the pelvis up to the chest, increasing blood flow and reducing strain on back muscles and the spine, which in turn reduces driver fatigue. Nissan used zero-gravity research from NASA to come up with a seat design that properly supports the pelvis, back and spine. Courtesy Cadillac, courtesy Nissan, (Nissan seat) Aaron Gold p48-49_Analyze This.indd 49 go with CAA For a low-tech car seat solution, spin by a CAA Manitoba Service Centre near you for a Cool Mesh Back Support — ergonomic design and cool comfort all in one. GOING PL ACES >> fa l l 2 0 1 3 49 13-08-14 1:33 PM