Super Bumper Stickers
November 21, 2006 – 8:31 am by Matt Radel
Filed under Cool Stuff
Having a crappy day, or maybe a great one? Let everyone know – with your bumper sticker.
The fine folks over at the Auto Blog report that VW is working on an electronic bumper sticker that will let drivers indicate their mood. From the post:
This shows how Volkswagen, as well as other automakers, is hard at work to improve communication between drivers. “You can let the traffic behind you know how you are feeling or say whatever you want to say as the mood takes you”, says VW’s ERL based in Palo Alto California. Other ideas on the drawing boards include an on-board heart rate monitor or other vital signs monitor that lets other drivers know the driver’s condition.
So my question is, is this really a good thing? We already battle numerous distractions (stereos, cellphones, earbuds) on the road, would this only add to the noise? I can see numerous accidents happening because folks were too busy looking at the clever message on the bumper of the person in the next lane. And what about profanity? Will there be a filter on these to keep them family friendly?
We’ll just have to see if these ever actually make it to market. I personally hope they don’t.
Super Bumper Stickers
November 21, 2006 – 8:31 am by Matt Radel
I don’t know about integrated with the car, but I thought of this idea while I was in school in 2000. I figured there’d be some way to hook up an LED display (that resided in your back window) wirelessly to a keypad up in the front. That way when somebody cuts you off, you could change your message to “Hey screw you, a**hole”, and speed up to show ‘em the message. I know, it’s totally brilliant ;)
Yes, as Justin wrote you should already be able to do this with existing technology.
I think displaying heart rates to other drivers is awesome. Being a cyclist, I’m sure I can keep mine pretty low. :)
It is an interesting concept, but I’m just worried that it’s gonna be more noise. But I guess if it’s in the name of better communication then I’m for it.