Developing innovative solutions to combat driving distraction is a fundamental part of our mission at HARMAN Automotive. In fact, we were the first company to introduce Bluetooth in cars in 2004, a technology helpful for keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we wanted to share information on this important issue and the latest HARMAN Automotive in-cabin products that reduce distraction.

Driving demands constant attention and decision-making. Hyperconnected lifestyles significantly impact risks on the road. Watching videos, surfing the internet and texting can all contribute to accidents. The latter increases a driver’s risk of crashing by 23 times. Texting is one of the most dangerous types of distracted driving as it combines visual, manual and cognitive distraction.

The good news is that HARMAN Automotive has developed innovative Ready Products to keep you safe on your journey. 

More than 60%​ of distracted driving results from drivers losing mental focus on the road. An industry-first, HARMAN Ready Care monitors your mind, eyes and vitals to enable improved driver and occupant mobility experiences, focusing on safety and comfort.

“Sometimes when you're driving, maybe you're daydreaming a bit, maybe your focus shifts, even though your eyes are on the road. And we have a feature that can detect that and prevent you from having accidents,” notes Marcus Futterlieb, HARMAN Automotive Product Manager and System Acceptance Lead.

 

Our smart technology combines intelligent machine learning algorithms and selected in-vehicle sensors to detect a driver’s personal state and propose a customized and personalized in-vehicle cabin response – from climate control to lighting and sound.

Driving can be stressful – bad weather, construction, aggressive drivers – the list of potential hazards is long. Our Ready Vision solutions promote calm and dispel anxiety with an AR head-up display the empowers drivers with the right information at the right time. 

Powered by Samsung Neo QLED, Ready Vision QVUE delivers critical data like mileage, speed and alerts on the lower portion of the windshield for easy readability and a clear view of the road ahead. “Ready Vision QVUE opens completely new possibilities for the future cabin experience,” says Khader Hussein​, Senior Director of Product Management. 

And Ready Vision AR HUD seamlessly merges physical and digital worlds with three-dimensional object detection in a wedgeless windshield design. Visual and audio sensors and directional audio integrations reduce driver distraction and manage mental overload.

The NHTSA recommends handing your device to a passenger to manage directions, answering texts and suggesting music. With Ready Engage, an in-cabin copilot is now a virtual reality. A hands-free, customizable avatar serves as your digital helper, handling all of these tasks directly from your dashboard.

“Ready Engage is an anthropomorphized avatar which contributes positively to wellbeing, creating a sense of comfort and connectedness,” Hussein comments.

 

Parents take their eyes off the road for an average of three minutes and 22 seconds during an average 16-minute car ride with their children. Ready Together fuels safer and more harmonious family trips with individual entertainment and enhanced communication that limit in-cabin distractions.

 

The seamless, intuitive experience prioritizes fun, connection and control. The driver can even push a button to stop all media to make an announcement.

The NHTSA has developed a comprehensive program to educate drivers of the dangers and legal consequences of distracted driving. Learn more about their effort to reduce driver distraction including tips for safe driving here. 

And stay connected with HARMAN Automotive on our LinkedIn​ and YouTube​ channels for the latest news on how we’re helping drivers and passengers stay safe on the road.​