Smart Cars Can Protect Drivers by Predicting Emergencies
Vehicle safety is something of a puzzle for automakers. Improved vehicle safety technology have made cars safer than ever, yet the number of vehicle-related deaths in the U.S. has remained steady at 40 000 fatalities each year. Why haven't all these new vehicle safety measures made us safer? One company has hypothesized that the problem lies not with the cars, but rather, with the drivers.
According to research from Robert Bosch LLC, two out of three drivers do not hit the brakes hard enough before an accident. This is not because he or she wants the accident, but rather because of the human condition. Multiple warning systems, distractions from passengers, and processing the events on the road can cause the decision-making process to take milliseconds too long. These overwhelming forces can impair one's ability to slam on the brakes in time, or with the correct force.
As a solution to this, Bosch proposes using a predictive brake-assist technology, which constantly monitors the vehicle's surroundings to detect any likely accidents and determine stopping distance. If an accident is evident, the brake-assist technology will react by activating the hydraulic brake, which the vehicle's computer has engaged for full-force braking as soon as the anticipated accident is detected.
Although there's not enough research yet to know for sure, it's reasonable to think the predictive brake-assist technology will be useful in preventing some of the over 2 million front-end collisions that occur every year. However, some argue that this technology might actually decrease safety, because drivers might not fully understand how the system works and erroneously believe it will do most of the braking for them. They then might not try to stop the car themselves, increasing their risk of accident. This argument seems inane, but shouldn't be completely dismissed. More research and testing are needed before this system can be made mandatory.
Some manufacturers have already begun using predictive braking technology in their vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, for example, uses the system in their SL550 model. The car is able to sense an emergency based on the amount of pressure the driver uses on the brake, and then applies the maximum power boost. Other manufacturers, such as Toyota, Cadillac, BMW and Volvo are experimenting with adding the technology to their future lines.
The predictive brake-assist technology is only one new electronic system to improve automotive safety. In addition to Bosch's proposed predictive brake assist technology, there's also something called "lane departure notification." Simply stated, lane departure notification uses an electric eye to determine if the car is driving outside the lines. This system would most benefit drivers who may be falling asleep, as driving outside the lane will trigger an audible warning.
In accordance with the theory that drivers may in fact pose a safety hazard to themselves, Bosch has proposed a modification to the current vehicle safety ratings. The proposed new safety ratings would include a sixth star, evaluating a vehicle's accident avoidance systems, such as the predictive braking and lane departure notification systems. This will help consumers to compare just how safe a vehicle really is, taking into consideration how it will help them avoid accidents, not just how the car will hold up in one.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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