Volvo to put cameras inside its cars to watch you next year

[abscate]

There are already Cameras in Volvos since 1992. You are just finding out about them now.

[jimmy57]

I'm 61 years old. The big brother stuff I worried about has never impacted me. Persons that have no concern that extends past the end of their nose have done me the harm. I only worry that the camera monitoring doesn't yield a sharp face slap or an electric shock. I have driven all Volvo models extensively from early 80's through 2018 model year. All the late ones had the full autobrake, adaptive cruise, Pilot Assist 2, and anything else they offered. Yes, initially a lot of those features bothered me. Why? I thought of myself as a precision driver. I have no history of accidents in spite of a long history of speeding tickets. BUT I found that I crossed over lines a lot. I did way too much anticipating that people would clear my path when they were turning in front of me. I got beeps and brake applications a lot. When Pilot Assist 2 arrived I fought the steering control a lot until I figured out I drove on the edge of lanes away from center line as the system was always trying to get me centered, not that giving more clearance to other vehicles is a bad thing. I think cell phones and in house voice assistant devices are far more onerous than technology in cars to keep us from killing ourselves and taking others out with us.

[matthew1]

With phones, I accept the calculated deal. With the devil. Home voice assistants and interior car cameras, no thanks.

I’ll laugh at this post in 20 years

[matthew1]

The only manufacturer I still like as a whole for NEW cars would have to be Mazda.

Agreed. Mazda is making excellent cars lately. Driver's cars.

[matthew1]

Mazda has a higher-than-average overlap with Volvo on automobile design/goals ethos.

I had an '88 Mazda 323 2-dr hatch, and that car was very fun. Visibility and controls were top-notch.

[bmdubya1198]

I've always liked the 323 GTX. Those are pretty cool cars!

[Tex69]

I have to disagree with the notion Volvo has lost their charm. You have to keep in mind what cars have become in 2019 and factor that in.

I also hate some of the trends in modern cars. Such as no key and the goofy infotainment screen to name the biggest offenses.

Unfortunately we can't roll the clock back to 1969 when the automobile was at it's pinnacle. Yes your Ford LTD had a 7.0 liter V8 and floted down the road like a magic carpet. Not to mention Chrysler had the 426 hemi at 425 hp 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds.

Today we are looking at cars that watch out for us and it looks like you guys out there hate the idea. The reality is we should not be driving impaired. Not only is it illegal, but immoral. By driving drunk you might take out a innocent family! So in that respect I say my hats off to Volvo for taking the next step in occupant safety. June

I don't think Volvo has lost their charm, but I don't care for some of the changes in the newer cars. For one thing, the seats are different. They aren't as comfortable. My 2007 XC70 and now 2007 V70 R don't bother my neck and shoulders the way the seats in my wife's 2013 XC60 does. Like you, I don't care for the fobs. I prefer a key. Things are becoming to heavily computerized as well. I don't feel I'm driving a car, but that I'm driving a computer when in my wife's 2013 XC60. It's why I decided against a newer XC70 when buying a car this last February.

I don't disagree with what Volvo is doing, just how they are doing it. It makes me wonder how long until we have to blow into a tube in order to be able to start our cars. Drunk and distracted driving both need to be dealt with. I just think there are probably better ways to do it. Also to assume a younger driver poses a danger seems mistaken. It's true in some cases, but not all. Elderly drivers, and some ages in between can be equally dangerous. Does the setting for younger drivers apply to all ages, or will the camera prevent that?

[850 LPT]

A camera watching me while I'm driving - that is downright creepy.

Not a problem for me though, because I wouldn't buy a Volvo built after 07' anyway.

[93Regina]

I drove on the edge of lanes...not that giving more clearance to other vehicles is a bad thing

Sidenote -

Driving just off the center line, on a two lane road, is a good thing when a front steer tire blows out on rural roads with real ditches, especially when driving a 18 wheeler, as I do on the farm.

With a 18 wheeler, you have momentum, and when that driving direction is changed by a steer blow-out, initially, you have no control.

Where drivers go wrong is over-steering...one only turns the wheel a small pinch to compensate...it takes a number of seconds to regain control, but when a person over-steers, this will cause vehicle to lurch in opposite direction.

I've seen what happens when a trucker over-steers, the whole rig can end up on its side, even at reduced speeds in city environments

It's a weird experience...you turn the wheel a pinch, and nothing happens....then a clueless driver may panic and crank the wheel more, and presto, it grabs, then jack-knifing...its over.

[93Regina]

Elderly drivers, and some ages in between can be equally dangerous.

Studies have show younger and older drivers are somewhat equal, with those between more safe. But causes are different for younger vs older.