Tools for the Road Warrior

Have you ever been caught in traffic slowly trudging along only to find out that the backup was caused by something so mundane and inconsequential?

Of course you have...

It's even more frustrating to find out that once you pass the offending area, to determine it was only a person sitting in their car talking on the phone.

There is actually a scientific reason why people slow down to take notice of roadside distractions. Its called "Emotion Induced Blindness".

A team from Vanderbilt University conducted a series of tests to study an individual's response to an image that diverted their attention away from their normal field of vision or thought they were focused on.

They concluded that a person's ability to control and focus their attention was directly attributed to a personality trait directly linked to their ability to control their response to images that startled them.

A person who reacted more rapidly to startling or negative stimuli was more likely to be distracted while driving and slow down to view the accident.

When you think about it, this trait must exist in about 95% of the population as most people will slow up to see what is going on even though it may be nothing at all.

So, the next time you are stuck in traffic waiting to get past the blockage, consider it to be part of the human makeup that is causing you to be late for your appointment.

GPS Units can steer you clear of of these backups. Some systems will even connect into a subscription service Garmin GDB 50 MSN® Direct receiver to have local traffic reports updated real time to help the driver steer clear of the backup.

For business people who use their automobiles as mobile offices, a new device and service is on the horizon to raise the stakes to the next level.

You can now purchase a device that allows you to use your vehicle as a hot spot to the internet. Imagine, traveling with your associates to multiple appointments and needing access to company information and files etc. and being able to download critical changes to update the presentation before the big meeting.

Or, if you on the way to Grandma's house, your family is able to access their facebooks, E-mails and can even stream movies through the device. The device can even provide access while the car is in motion, providing uninterrupted service.

The new company, Autotel Inc, is introducing this to the market and so far has two major customers; Chrysler and Avis signed up.

Verizon has a similar service for one PC, but this device allows multiple Laptops to access the internet at one time.

A Mobile Wireless router, similar to what many people have at home.

Azentek Inc selling a new integrated GPS and handsfree calling device that replaces the current rear view mirror on the windshield.

Using a small 4.0" Touch screen LCD monitor to provide display a crisp viewing screen, the device concept creates a more suitable environment for most drivers to incorporate GPS and handsfree calling into the driving experience.

For those looking for an alternative for the clunky device attached to your dashboard, this might fit the bill.