In-car systems that warn drivers of road hazards like taking a curve too fast have been developed in a collaborative agreement between STMicroelectronics and Nokia subsidiary Navteq. The hybrid system embeds GPS in automobiles with or without navigation map displays so that even low-end models can warn drivers of upcoming hazards. Navteq databases feeding ST's GPS-based chips compare a car's current speed to a safe speed for upcoming curves and either issue a verbal warnings, vibrate the steering wheel, flash a warning light or reduce speed. Similar warnings can be issued to adaptive cruise controls that prevent collisions with automobiles, reduce speed automatically on highway exit ramps, limit speeds in urban areas and warn of obscured traffic lights over upcoming hills.
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