Swiss tech firm Garmin International has unveiled a new range of portable navigation devices (PNDs) which are designed to help increase driver situational awareness.
The company launched four models of the PNDs which include Garmin Drive, Garmin DriveSmart, Garmin DriveAssist and Garmin DriveLuxe.
The lineup has been designed to encourage safe driving and situational awareness, and includes features like warnings for upcoming sharp curves, railway or animal crossings.
It also alerts drivers if they enter the wrong way on a one-way street, and provides fatigue warning alerts to the driver to encourage them to take breaks while showing available rest areas or places to stop.
One of the devices Garmin Drive, also includes preloaded data from Foursquare POIs which shows drivers information about popular shops and restaurants falling on their way.
It also includes Garmin Real Directions, which guides drivers using recognizable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights.
Garmin DriveSmart includes features present in Garmin Drive and along with customizable smart notifications that display calls, text messages and app notifications on the navigation screen.
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The device also provides access to ‘Live Traffic’ information which is displayed through the smartphone link app or the company’s Digital Traffic solutions.
Garmin DriveAssist, on the other hand features a built-in dash cam that records and automatically saves video footage to serve as an eyewitness.
The camera also facilitates advanced driver awareness alerts like Forward Collision and Lane Departure Warnings.
The Garmin DriveLuxe is a high end PND model featuring forged metal design. It provides automatic dual orientation and innovative navigation features for more driver awareness.
Garmin UK PND product manager Kirsty Quartley said: "The most exciting development of the new Garmin Drive line is that driver awareness features typically seen in luxury vehicles are now accessible as an aftermarket solution for all drivers.
"There are many distractions that drivers encounter while running errands, driving to work or taking road trips. These new driver alerts can remove some of these burdens and help drivers stay aware on the road."
