That's why the 2001 Society of Automotive Engineers convention includes a Driver Focus Technology Pavilion. Suppliers say they already have the capability of loading up a vehicle with sensors that gauge everything from wheel speed to weather and traffic conditions. If the vehicle senses heavy traffic and bad weather, it can be programmed to block access to mobile phone calls or Internet use. But auto suppliers are moving forward on new high-tech gadgets. Later this year, for instance, Delphi debuts a next generation of an electronic device that connect drivers with a wireless-services company.
Drivers can use the connection to download their e-mail in their vehicle.