I was reading the newspaper today and this article caught my attention:
“Giving cars a sixth sense to prevent accidents”
In the UK, a dashboard device that alerts the drivers to an impending accident has been unveiled. General Motors developed the system that allows cars to ‘communicate’ with each other at distances of up to 200 metres - even around corners. If 2 vehicles are on the collision course, the system warns the driver of danger with alarm, flashing lights and vibrations in the seat to take evasive action . Although it can also be programmed to start braking, the driver will remain in overall control of the vehicle.
The smart technology known as V2V - vehicle to vehicle - uses satellite navigation data to plot the precise location of a car. That information is conveyed by a wireless network to other cars within range, triggering a warning if those vehicles get too close for comfort.
This system could reduce the number of rear end shunts and overcome ‘blind spots’. It warns of stationary vehicle on the road even before the driver behind can see it - for example around a corner - and prevents rear-end collisions that occur daily due to poor visibility, twisty roads or short lapses in driver concentration.
The safety system gives cars a sixth sense. How? A car looks around and asks itself ‘where am I?’ and ‘where is everybody else?’.
General Motors estimated this car navigation system would cost only £125 a car. It would be six years before the technology could be fitted into cars coming off its production lines.
Add A Comment