• Home
  • Video
  • Tomorrow Show Videos

Tomorrow Show

need to add title here

The Future of Traffic

October 11, 2009 11:55 AM

New car innovations like seatbelts, airbags, anti-lock brakes and attention alerts may seem like they have taken the danger out of driving, but they haven't. Mo Rocca examines the future of traffic.

Recent Segments
Scroll Left Scroll Right
Add a Comment
by IQheinrich October 14, 2009 2:24 PM EDT
Mo Rocca is right on track with the issues of traffic. They reflect the opinions of those experts who recommend missile guidance hardware to replace "the nut that holds the steering wheel" (as drivers are frequently labeled). But there remains a critical disconnect between the presented target (a safe passage) and the cognitive-neurological-kinesthetic connection that guides the vehicle.

Tom Vanderbilt would have missile guidance systems adapted to infinitely complex fields of vision and Professor Gerald would hope that the drivers would be alerted to dangers. I am working to expand on the latter. At collision sites I change site specific windshield images from confusing visual fields to clearly cued eye control. With astounding success.

Visual cues that meet the retina work below the conscious level, much as motivational researchers have found in their well established successes in delivering eyeballs to cash registers. CBS admen know how well this works. So do NASCAR drivers, who hold to the mantra that "The car goes where the eye goes". With analytical techniques of the Great Masters of the art world and their control of the retina, a true breakthrough in collision prevention really rests with cognitive psychologists, architects and graphic artists. Robotics won't do.

IQheinrich
Reply to this comment
by xmannl October 13, 2009 10:28 AM EDT
Mo wasn't quite right about the traffic circle in Holland. There were indeed traffic signs. The triangle shapes on the ground, and the intersection of the road to the traffic circle, are yields signs. The Dutch would know this, and yield appropriately to traffic in the circle. Remove THOSE, to make NO signage, and you'd have a big mess!
Reply to this comment
by poochie44 October 13, 2009 9:14 AM EDT
With so many people using their cell phones to talk and text and drunk drivers thinking they're invincible we'll never be safe on the roads until people get smart and realize they need to pay attention to the road and not be so stupid.
Reply to this comment
by hennighg October 12, 2009 3:07 PM EDT
Mo Rocca? No, please. Give us Steve Hartman back.
Reply to this comment
by bruno214 October 12, 2009 2:57 PM EDT
Finally, a cop with a sense of humor. Thank you for the smile..
Reply to this comment
by mark_bednar October 12, 2009 12:09 PM EDT
The guy sounds like Heath Ledger's Joker character from The Dark Knight.
Reply to this comment
by nbdov68 October 12, 2009 6:57 AM EDT
The future of traffic is already here. Come to China and check it out! Go to any average size town and you will experience them. The definition of traffic lights? GREEN - of course it means GO. YELLOW - SPEED up and GO. RED - if no cars going across, then 'GO'. Traffic signs are a joke. It is not even worth the effort to put them out there.
Reply to this comment
  • MOST POPULAR
Discussed
  1. Poll: Rush Most Influential Conservative

    (211 recent comments)

Latest News
News in Pictures
Scroll Left Scroll Right
Connect with CBS News

Stay connected with the CBS News using your favorite social networks and online news applications: