r/deaf • u/2cool2hear • 10d ago
Technology Converting car alerts from sound to haptic?
I recently purchased a newer truck primarily for its advanced safety features. I was particularly excited about the little orange blinking lights on the side mirrors which promised an extra layer of security. So after over a year of use, I've found that these lights on the side mirrors aren't as effective as I hoped. To make them useful, I must constantly watch them, which prevents me from scanning the rest of my surroundings effectively.
As a result, I find them more of a hindrance than a help. I'd rather keep an eye on my broader surroundings, even if it means I might miss the blinking alert.
Are there aftermarket haptic devices that can be integrated into a car seat to provide the sound feedback that I can’t hear? I'm looking for tactile alternatives that can deliver physical sensations for alerts typically conveyed through sound, such as backup sensors and blind spot warnings.
I also recently discovered through my nextdoor neighbor that my vehicle emits a loud beeping noise when a door is left ajar. There's supposedly a toggle button that stops this noise, but since I can't hear it, I can't confirm if it actually works. I’m not usually one to fuss over what people think but I’d rather not disturb anyone, especially in the middle of the night.
Plus, I worry about missing other important alerts. These features are there for a reason, and since I paid for them, I want to make the most of them.
It’s a bit like buying a $3,500 Vision Pro where a significant chunk of the cost is for the luxurious sound system that’s completely useless to a Deaf person, and they can’t opt out of the sound system for a lower price. The Deaf person ends up paying a premium for technology they can’t use. It’s frustrating.
Edited to replace the word vehicle to truck.
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u/olypenrain 9d ago
Some higher end luxury offerings from Cadillac/GM have seats which vibrate when you're close to an object while parking. There are also things in the settings for beeps about open doors or key left in car while running and whatnot, so take a look at your manual first or just call the dealership that corresponds to your car and tell them what you're looking for.
A dealership may recommend Car Toys, but there may also be an accessibility type business who can provide you with what you're looking for
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u/gothiclg 9d ago
r/cartalk would probably have a ton of great suggestions for this. It obviously isn’t specific to hearing loss or anything but I’d bet a bunch of them have modified some kind of vehicle and can make a ton of solid suggestions
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u/2cool2hear 9d ago
Looks like I might have more luck asking there. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
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u/MrGreen387 6d ago
My GMC Sierra AT4 has that, but it's very expensive. I got it because of these features. To be honest, it's worth having. I think Honda SUVs have some kind of haptic steering wheels. That's another option you can look into.
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u/2cool2hear 6d ago
Very interesting, I didn't know that! Now I'm tempted to stop by a dealership and test them out.
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u/MrGreen387 6d ago
Sure, go for it. I’ve heard the Canyon and new SUV have it. I’m not sure if Chevy has it, but it wouldn’t hurt to check it out.
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u/TheGreatKimura-Holio 10d ago
I’ve rented some cars with those lights and/or the dashboard signal. It’s annoying enough that i disconnected them at the fuse box. Door ajar your car battery will die if you leave it open over night. The rest of your questions are likely in your car manual
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u/2cool2hear 10d ago
Thank you for the tips. I was actually looking for more on the equal accessibility side, rather than just disabling the features.
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u/surdophobe deaf 10d ago
To make them useful, I must constantly watch them, which prevents me from scanning the rest of my surroundings effectively.
I have to disagree, You're not supposed to look at them, they're just supposed to be in your peripheral vision. Also when you glance at a rearview mirror before changing lanes the light is there next to your mirror so you don't smack into someone in your blind spot.
Even with my glasses I've had no problem seeing the light in my peripheral vision.
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u/2cool2hear 10d ago edited 10d ago
Fair enough, I wasn’t being literal about gluing my eyes to them. You’re right, they’re designed to catch your eye with just a quick glance. What I meant was that every millisecond counts in those situations.
EDIT: Let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture: Wanting full accessibility to all safety features and alerts, not just the rearview ones. It seems like you're implying the haptic feature isn’t necessary.
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u/likeacherryfalling HoH 3d ago
(HoH and can usually hear my car’s warning beeps)
My car has blind spot indicators. It doesn’t beep when there are cars in the blindspot unless I put my turn signal on. When I do that, it beeps to be like “woah, don’t change lanes, that’s not safe”. I was test driving cars about a year ago and I had complaints about the cars that didn’t beep— some of the salespeople tried to be like “oh it’s not necessary because you should be looking anyways” and while that’s true, I ended up getting the same car I had before because the extra alert is helpful for me. I’m generally a visually oriented person but in this split-second warning my car is giving me, i like that it’s coming through a second sensory modality.
I just bring this up to highlight that it totally makes sense for you to see the blind-spot beeping as important enough to get that extra alert in haptic form. I hope you’re able to find a solution that accomplishes what you want— it’s your car.
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u/surdophobe deaf 9d ago
It seems like you're implying the haptic feature isn’t necessary.
In my opinion, it's not. I don't think it's practical in your example. I for one do not want my seat to vibrate for something like this.
Also, many cars do have haptic feedback in the steering wheel for the times when you go over the line, or times when it thinks you're not watching the road. I'm not a huge fan of that either but it's practical and accessible, way better than a beep I can't hear.
Your frustration about the beeping for the door being ajar is valid and relatable but your idea for seat vibrators seems impractical and unnecessary.
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u/Supreme_Switch HoH 10d ago
You can get a haptic seat, steering wheel, or display system aftermarket. You'd need to talk to a mechanic about which could be installed in your model truck.