More automakers integrating head-up displays in vehicles

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- When private pilot Jerry Greenfield first saw a head-up display, it was in a flight simulator.

Now, a growing number of automakers are building similar displays into cars. The head-up display is equipment that projects things such as speed or navigation onto the windshield or within the driver's field of vision.

It's the type of feature Greenfield would like to see in his next car.

"I like the idea of being able to look straight ahead and seeing all the information I need without having to look away from the road," he said.

Ron Montoya of Edmunds.com test drives vehicles with the technology built in. He believes these types of displays make a driver safer.

Some companies are developing displays designed for use in any car, which will include additional functionality that would allow drivers to do things such as receive and respond to text messages or post to social media all while keeping their eyes on the road.

Jacob Nelson, director of Traffic Safety Advocacy for AAA, said head-up displays with essential driving information do have the potential to make drivers safer behind the wheel, but he believes a study should be done on the impact the displays have on driver distraction.

"The color of the font, the size of the font and the way in which it's projected into the driving environment are all factors that can impact the workload that a driver might experience," he said. "We don't want to stifle innovation, but on the other hand we have to be careful about the safety consequences of introducing new technologies into the driving experience."

Another concern is the amount of information included in the display. He said the risk could be overloading a driver with information that is not pertinent to driving.

Montoya agrees and advises car buyers who are considering buying a car with a head-up display to test it out first.

As for Greenfield, he said the next time he is in the market for a new car, the display is a feature he'll be on the lookout for.