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Smart Cars Can Protect Drivers by Predicting Emergencies

by: JasonLancaster
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Word Count: 540

Vehicle safety is a puzzling issue for automakers. Despite improvements in vehicle safety measures, vehicle-related fatalities in the U.S. have stayed the same over the years, with about 40 000 deaths a year. Why are fatalities continuing at the same level despite technology which makes cars safer? One suggestion is that it's not unsafe cars that are responsible for these deaths - it's the unsafe drivers behind the wheel.

New research from Robert Bosch LLC suggests that two out of every three drivers don't hit the brakes hard enough before an accident. This doesn't mean the driver wants the accident - it's simply the nature of the human condition. During an accident, a multitude of things are competing for the driver's attention, from multiple warning systems going off and distractions from other passengers, to the simple act of processing what's going on in the surrounding environment. All these combined together can delay the decision-making process a few milliseconds too long, and impair the driver's ability to hit the brakes fast enough, or with enough force.

The solution, according to Bosch, is a predictive brake-assist technology that will detect an anticipated accident and react by activating the brakes. The system will continuously monitor the surroundings on the road to determine stopping distance. With these calculations constantly running in the car's computer, the hydraulic brake is properly engaged for full-force braking once an impact is evident.

There are over two-million front-end collisions each year, and while there is no way to know how much the predictive brake-assist system will reduce this number, it's reasonable to assume it will help in some way. However, there is some argument that this technology will actually hurt safety. The argument is that because drivers will not understand the technology, they will assume the car will do the majority of the braking for them, and will not attempt to stop the car themselves. This argument seems absurd, but should not be discounted completely. More testing should be completed before this type of safety feature is mandated.

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.

Predictive brake-assist technology is just one of many new technologies aimed at improving automotive safety. A lane departure notification is another new development which will protect drivers. It uses an electric eye to monitor the vehicle's position in relation to the lines on the road. If the vehicle starts driving outside the lines, the system will release an audible warning, which could greatly benefit drivers who may be falling asleep during long drives.

In keeping with the idea that drivers themselves can be a safety issue, Bosch has also proposed modifying current vehicle safety ratings to include a sixth star. The sixth star will be used to rank a vehicle's accident avoidance systems, such as predictive braking and lane departure notification. It's a good way for consumers to compare a vehicle's complete safety rating, rather than just its crashworthiness.

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About the Author

Author Jason Lancaster, an auto industry veteran, created AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You'll find accurate tips for buying a car and auto advice.  

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