Q: How Does a Heads-Up Display Operate?

In simplest terms the HUD or heads up display works by reflecting light off the windshield to display gauges and other vital driver information in order to reduce or eliminate the need to look away from the road ahead. This technology is similar to that first used by the military in planes and helicopters.

There can also be embedded phosphorus in the windshield as well, which reacts to show needed information. The HUD allows critical information to show in the driver’s field of vision without searching or losing focus on the road conditions ahead. Integrating this display system will allow for reduced stress in the same way that hand controls added to the steering wheel or bluetooth for hands free operation are enhancing safety in today’s automobiles.

Seeing lane information, GPS directions and instruments will allow for better control of the vehicle as the number of cars on the road increases and the possible distractions evolves as well. The origin of the wording for the HUD is from the fact that when it was first used with pilots they did not have to lower their heads to see the information hence they kept their “heads up.” Advancements in technology like this or other features like lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and auto braking are helping to make the road safer for all of us.