Abstract
Modern electronics promises a treatment, if not a cure, for traffic headaches. Within the next decade, cars and trucks will be loaded with devices to help you dodge other vehicles, spot obstacles at night and in fog, and avoid getting lost. The technology, much of it drawn from the aerospace industry, is already being adapted for use on the road: infrared and magnetic sensors, microwave radar, and satellite navigation. By enabling drivers to reach their destinations more quickly and with fewer impediments, the technology also helps with the problem of traffic congestion and, in addition, creates wealth. Further details on the technology and its effects are provided in this article. (A)