Mood-sensing lights warn other drivers when you're cranky

We've looked at Affective Media's experimental technology designed to let your car sense your mood and try to alter it (i.e., by playing soothing music if it thinks you're angry) and have questioned how effective it could really be. However, we do like the idea of the mood-sensing lights in Toyota's prototype Pod car, which change color based on how you feel. Instead of trying to get you to chill, the lights warn other drivers when you seem a little unstable, letting them know they should give you a wide berth until you calm down a little.

[Derrick @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Then the whole city of NY or Bangkok will have red lights all the time.

[Nathan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

This isn't new at all!
I remember seeing the Pod, with this feature, back in 2002. I've got a toyota promo piece from the 2002 Motor Show in Kumamoto which shows little cartoon Pods driving around with different moods

[Yosh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

What's the color for "weeeee 90 mph in a 25 zone?"

[Kianoosh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I remember this long long time ago when I read an article on it in Popular Science a few years ago.

[Bill @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

It may not be all that new, but it is still pretty cool in a very geeky sort of way!

[rich @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

NY's already got red lights on their cars all the time.. this would just put some more on the front. interesting idea, possibly helpful, it'll never fly though. perhaps wings would help.

[sauceruney @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

This will only give rise to the 'auto-troll' - those who seek out annoyed drivers in order to push them over the edge!

[met @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I get angry when someone tries to console me when I'm angry (read i get more angry).
You think its a good idea? How many times have you heard a person say "No! I am not angry!" - there you go now you should get it :)

Soothing music if you are feeling sleepy would be nice :D

[Qazar @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

You can drive this car in the game Gran Turismo Concept for PS2 that came out in 2002. And another little feature the car has is...a tail that wiggles! bark!

[Ed @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

the car should automatically play bob marley when it senses anger

[cafn8 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Somehow I don't think this would be very productive, at least not in New Jersey. If a person's lights showed they were at ease, that person would quickly become a target for every person that wants to change lanes, which would generally have the effect of spoiling the driver's mood. I think the current system of lane posturing and (car) body language is adequate for those who are paying attention.

[Ralph @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

You can easily tell when I'm in a bad mood because things begin to explode on my wall as I hurl them up against it.

[Anger the CAR! @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I'd hack it to be RED all the time so people would get the FRELL out of my WAY!!!

[Mark @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

If I'm happy and in a good mood, will it play angry music to piss me off? When would it ever play angry music then?