Rover hopes to avoid jams with Trafficmaster

UK car manufacturer MG Rover has signed up Trafficmaster to provide a traffic alert system which will help drivers of its cars avoid traffic jams and congestion.

Traffic Alert will be fitted as standard in all new Rover 25 and Rover 45 models, providing drivers with up to the minute information on the state of the roads and helping them to avoid any delays on route to their destination.

The deal is the latest evidence of the close relationship between motorists and high-tech gadgetry. Other commonly used applications include route finding technology (such as that reviewed by silicon.com here: http://www.silicon.com/a54736 ) and more controversially technologies which help drivers avoid speed cameras (http://www.silicon.com/a45570 ).

Other pioneering technologies for drivers include the launch of a watch which will ensure tired drivers stay awake at the wheel (http://www.silicon.com/a55479 ).