People want to be connected to the internet all the time. They want their cars to provide them with the convenience and entertainment they get from their other devices. They want to be able sync their autos with their other devices with internet access too. So, internet connected cars are fast becoming hot properties.

Nearly 40 per cent of motorists surveyed recently want automobiles with web connection. It looks like usual engine capacity, petrol usage, leather seats and customisations are taking second place to internet connection. Currently, manufacturers and authorities are channelling their efforts to make vehicles safer using connectivity. And auto insurance companies are watching these advancements eagerly.

Safety Features Benefiting from Internet Connection

Several manufacturers make cars with various safety features that are utilising connection and communication with other vehicles and their surroundings through GPS, radar, cellular, infrared, laser and camera-based technologies. They are now offering adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and intervention, plus forward collision alerts.

Some car manufacturers are working on impressive capabilities. These new automobiles can actually brake and steer by themselves when a potential problem ahead is detected.

Accident and Insurance Loss Prevention

The whole idea behind these improvements is to reduce accidents and crash related deaths. Manufacturers will probably find other ways of benefiting from internet connection in time. For example, they may be able to get commissions from sales made through computers on the cars. But this would come at a later stage.

When these improvements are proved to be helping drivers avoid accidents insurers will take notice. They are likely to offer discounts for cars with advanced safety and security features as it is the case for more common features. According to Cheap Auto Insurance .net, as the risk of accidents, injuries and damages to vehicles drop so should the premiums charged to insure these automobiles with special safety features.

It may take a few years for all the benefits to be fully established and computed into premium calculations. By that time there will be more of these automobiles on the roads and probably a few more new additions to their arsenal in fighting the dangers of the roads. Also, these technologies may be offered as standalone add-ons just like portable GPS devices so that they can be used by older model autos as well.

Concerns with Possible Driver Distractions from Web Connection

These cars can connect to internet, display photos and videos on the dashboard, open emails, log into Facebook and Twitter and make Skype calls. Not everybody will be sensible in the way they use all the features, maximise benefits while minimising distractions. This is exactly what concerns experts and advocates as well as the insurance industry. Just like mobile phones used while driving people could engage in all sorts of activities. Some people could really be stupid like watching a movie while driving.

Of course, there are solutions to deactivate certain functions while the vehicle in motion. Some companies can install these safety precautions automatically. However, people find a way to disable them and carry on. Unfortunately there will always be some bad use of otherwise brilliant technology.

One piece of good news on that aspect is that voice activation seems to be working much better in 2014. This could help drivers to use most features hands free through voice control. If someone needs to check their emails then the car can read them to the driver instead of the driver taking his/her eyes off the road. Still there will always be an element of distraction.

On the other hand, they can take whatever handheld devices they like into vehicles and do God knows what with them. Therefore, it is hard to use distraction as the main objection to internet connected cars. As it is pointed out above, there will be a few things to be ironed out. And the technology will always move forward with new solutions and marvels.

What Is for Future?

According to reports, by 2018 many cars will be aware of their surroundings, geological location and what is going on outside. They will be able to self-monitor and report problems and weaknesses back to the owner.

Cars that talk with each other through sensors and devices installed in them are already being tested. These vehicles will be able to locate and warn each other of dangers around them, accidents ahead and update each other with road conditions. Talking cars to protect humans sounds like a movie we know...

It is likely that we will have to spend a few hours to learn all the specifications and capabilities of our new automobiles. There will be so much to learn and to fiddle around with. Just as we learned everything there will be a new model available with completely different systems uploaded on them. Hopefully it's still fun.