What New Technology Do You Like?

Hagerty’s According to You Series is here for your thoughts on a variety automotive related subjects. It’s meant to be a safe place for thought-provoking commentary from your fellow enthusiasts.

To wit, my thoughts about radar cruise control in the last episode certainly got people going in the comments. My favorite was from Hagerty Community member Bob, and it came with a request. So let’s fulfill that request and get right into his thoughts:

I would like to ask Sajeev to open up this subject for further discussion. My current rides have ABS and traction control (fine) but no other nannies. I think that blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic monitor and possibly automated emergency braking have potential.

But radar cruise control to me seems like the opposite of progress to any aware and thinking driver. I have attempted to use it a few times in borrowed or rented cars and inevitably give up after a few minutes of frustration. I am aware that the following distance can be adjusted. The biggest issue for me is that these things allow and encourage drivers to ‘relax’ in the passing lane waiting for the traffic ahead to speed up. And we all know that it rarely does so. It is unfortunately a settled issue in the USA that you often must pass on the right if you want to pass at all.

I think (assume, really) that radar cruise encourages left lane banditry by lazy or uncaring people. Can anyone who uses radar cruise tell me something I’m missing here?

Bob, consider this door opened. And here’s my response to kick off this installment of According To You: I won’t re-hash my thoughts on urban sprawl, but the good old days of motoring equating to freedom are nearly dead and gone in many suburbs and cities. (Well, at least during rush hour traffic.)

I agree with your assumption of left lane banditry, but I just don’t see that as the whole picture. Congestion and aggravation are the new norm. Road rage is almost becoming commonplace during peak traffic times. (I’ve seen it more than I want to admit, after the pandemic, and on urban arterial roads.) This tech is wonderful in gridlock. Why go from 0 mph to 15mph over and over again when a computer can do it?

I’m a fan of this technology, but that’s mostly because of seat time with GM’s excellent Super Cruise system. No matter the manufacturer, a large market for these systems are the folks who must use their vehicle as a third place because of long commutes to and from the suburbs. The business case is solid, and the technology is appealing for many.

And here’s a thought for everyone to consider: All technology over time is misused.

How many folks set a Malaise Era, vacuum-actuated cruise control to the mandated 55mph speed limit and parked themselves in the left lane on the Interstate? I’ve lost count of how many times I saw it as a child, much to my parent’s dismay.

But that’s just my perspective, and it’s only (mostly?) meant to start a discussion. What say you, Hagerty Community: Is there any new technology that you like?

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