Car manufacturers are always concerned with the safety of their customers. That is why safety features have been developed through the years. But even with these safety features, traffic accidents still happen and one of the leading cause is drunk driving. In an effort to curb this problem, Japanese car manufacturer Nissan Motor Co., Ltd announced that it will be using its CARWINGS (HDD) navigation system to warn drivers of the hazards of drunk driving.
The use of the navigational system as part of warning off drivers will only be used in Japan. The initiative is only a part of the company's campaign to prevent drunk drivers from driving and risking their safety and the general public as well.
According to Nissan, the navigational system will be flashing warning messages against drunk driving every time the ignition is turned on. This use of the navigational system is aimed to make drunk drivers think twice before they drive their Nissan car while under the influence of alcohol.
Aside from that initiative, Nissan is also involved in other campaigns against drunk driving. In Japan, the car manufacturer is involved in the Hello Safety Campaign. The campaign is centered on educating the public as to the risks of driving while drunk. At the next campaign, Nissan will be distributing educational kits to children in Japan. The educational kit tackles traffic safety and the risks involved in driving while drunk. The educational kits are aimed to instill in the young minds of the children the fact that drunk driving is dangerous.
Apart from the Hello Safety Campaign, Nissan is also involved in the Mothers Against Drunk Driving's (MADD) Strides for Change in the United States. The charity walks are also aimed at battling drunk driving. To date, the organization has already raised millions which are used to educate children on the risks of drunk driving.
According to Nissan, the navigational system's use as a device to warn drivers against drunk driving is the first step to use technology to battle drunk driving. With that announcement, it can be expected that the pre-emptive passive safety feature will be incorporated in Nissan vehicles in the United States regardless of whether they are equipped with a or not.
The message alert that the navigational system will flash as the ignition is turned on will read "Do not drive after drinking!" The message automatically appears for about five seconds. This particular message will be flashed by the navigational system if the car is switched on between 5:30 PM and 5:00 AM. Between 5:00 AM and 5:30 PM, the message that the navi system will flash reads "Let's continue safe driving today."
Aside from the warnings, Nissan vehicles are also equipped with passive and active safety systems. Airbags and seatbelts are standard equipments for all Nissan vehicles. Other safety features include the ESP or the Electronic Stabilization Program and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The ESP helps the driver of the vehicle maintain control of the car. If the system senses that the driver is loosing control of the car, it will automatically activate brakes or increase traction to keep the vehicle in balance. The ABS, on the other hand, reduces the risk of locking brakes due to hard braking. Hard braking is commonly used by drivers in cases of emergencies.
