OnStar Begins Beta Tests For AI Assistance Tool For Drivers Struggling To Not Strike Cyclists

TECH - In a move that is sure to revolutionize the way we drive, On-Star announced today their new AI tool will now offer emotional assistance for drivers struggling not to strike cyclists.

"We know that driving can be stressful, especially when you're sharing the road with cyclists," said AAA spokesperson, Samantha Wells. "That's why we've developed this innovative new feature to help drivers stay calm and collected behind the wheel.”

The emotional assistance feature works by using advanced algorithms to detect when a driver is becoming increasingly agitated at a cyclist nearby. In beta tests done, the most reliable way to predict a strike was imminent were if the driver: mock jerks the wheel towards the cyclist saying “easy easy easy now”, begins cursing wildly while screaming so hard they gag, or forget to blink for more than 50 seconds.

“If the system detects that the driver is at risk of striking a cyclist, it will immediately offer a range of calming techniques to help the driver regain their composure,” explains Samantha.

The first measure is a relaxing breathing exercise and soothing music will begin to play. If the driver still exhibits concern and focus on the cyclist, the AI will superimpose images of the drivers children onto the cyclist’s face to remind the driver the cyclist is in fact a “person” who will be “missed if they die”. Finally, if all preliminary techniques still are not effective in deterring the driver, the car will alert the cyclist using a speaker system that they are about to be struck, and to pull away from the car for their own safety.

While this system has not been officially released for public use, early testing has been promising. One beta tester, George Wallace, a state trooper, reported feeling "much less likely to run over a cyclist" after using the emotional assistance feature, while another, Rebecca Flushing, a graphic designer, noted that the soothing music had helped them "forget about the cyclists altogether."