Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor has unveiled its new driver awareness research vehicle (DAR-V) at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Developed in partnership with Microsoft Research, the DAR-V will help reduce driver distractions before the key is even in the ignition.

Utilizing Microsoft technologies such as Kinect, the interactive systems display important, highly personalized information on the side window when the driver approaches the car.

Drivers can get information like traffic and weather updates, appointments and schedules for the day, and route details that might include a gas station, using a combination of gesture control, voice and the key fob.

Toyota collaborative safety research center (CSRC) director Chuck Gulash said that at Toyota, the company's focus is not only on protecting people in case of an accident, but also on preventing that accident from happening in the first place.

"While the auto industry will never eliminate every potential driver distraction, we can develop new ways to keep driver attention and awareness where it needs to be - on the road ahead," Gulash added.

Image: The new driver awareness research vehicle is developed to help reduce driver distractions before the key is even in the ignition. Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.