Existing Technologies
Crash-avoidance systems installed on some models of cars today include what the manufacturers call the Forward Collision Warning System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Cross-Traffic Alert, and Collision Mitigation Brake System.
avoid a collision. American Honda Motor Co. Inc. says its system senses a vehicle ahead of the car. When the car gets too close to the vehicle ahead, a warning beep sounds, braking force is applied and the front seat belts tighten.
Honda Efforts
Of the four car manufacturers that responded to the AMA request for information and said their systems detect motorcycles, two of them also produce motorcycles: Honda and BMW. (Manufacturers that did not respond to the AMA’s request were Chrysler, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.) “Honda does have a unique perspective when it comes to [a] relationship between Adaptive Cruise Control: A vehicle rider and driver safety,” writes James with adaptive cruise control adapts to Jongkind, manager of product regulations the speed of traffic. How? A radar or and safety at American Honda Motor laser on the front of the car senses the Co. Inc. “It is most certainly our ability to distance and speed of vehicles in front of collaborate and readily share information it. The system controls the car’s throttle between our motorcycle and automobile and brakes to maintain a speed and/or R&D centers that has helped us achieve distance set by the driver or to adapt to significant advancement in this regard.” the speed of traffic. Jongkind notes that, concerning Honda’s Forward Collision Warning System on the 2013 Accord and the Collision Mitigation Braking System that has been offered on Acuras for several years, “the overall concept for these types of driver-assist systems is that they should alleviate some of the burden on the driver to enable the driver to be more aware of traffic and other conditions... “To that end, we take steps to The new LaneWatch feature available on the 2013 Honda Accord can help drivers view cyclists or engage the driver in the act of other vehicles in their blind spot. driving, as opposed to allowing them to focus less on their primary responsibility of safely Blind Spot Information System: This operating the vehicle,” he writes. system has front and rear radar that “sees” “These driver-assist systems, similar to when a vehicle enters a car’s blind spot. other related systems, were developed for When that happens, a warning light on the the best overall balance of performance corresponding side-view mirror lights up. in real-world conditions, considering the many types, sizes and frequency of Cross-Traffic Alert: Through the use of vehicles and objects that are encountered radar, this system warns if another vehicle on the roadway,” he says. is approaching when a driver is backing Actual testing includes motorcycles a car out of a parking spot. Ford Motor of varying sizes and in various traffic Company says its system can detect a scenarios, he adds. vehicle moving at least 5 mph within a 45Jongkind also says that Honda foot range—or five parking spaces—from wholeheartedly agrees with the AMA either the left or right side of the vehicle. that “advanced crash avoidance warning When cross traffic is approaching, three systems technology used in motor warnings are given: an indicator lights up vehicles must not supplant an operator’s in the corresponding outside mirror, an responsibility to travel in a safe and audible alert is sounded and a message reasonable manner.” center warning is displayed. Forward Collision Warning System: This system warns drivers of possible hazards in front of them to help them react earlier, hopefully to avoid a crash. A radar sensor monitors the area in front of the car. If the vehicle approaches an obstacle but the driver takes no action, then a warning alarm sounds and a warning light appears on the windshield.
Collision Mitigation Brake System: This system applies a car’s brakes to
BMW Says…
The BMW Group told the AMA that it shares the AMA’s concerns when it comes
to the safety of motorcycle riders. “Currently for the U.S. market, BMW offers three warning systems under its ‘Driver Assistance Package’ as optional equipment: Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot detection,” writes Samuel Campbell, department head for safety engineering and intelligent transportation systems at the BMW Group. “The simple answer to your questions whether our systems are able to detect motorcycles is yes,” he writes. “These systems do not distinguish between cars and motorcycles and, therefore, have no issues detecting the presence of motorcycles. “However, during our system validation process, motorcycle scenarios are considered. One of BMW’s philosophies when it comes to crash avoidance technology is to keep the driver in the loop. The idea is not to have drivers rely on the technology, but to provide sufficient warnings so the driver can react to lessthan-ideal or critical situations,” he says.
Ford’s Perspective
Steven Kenner, global director at the Ford Motor Company’s automotive safety office, tells the AMA that safety is a top priority at the company. “We have introduced a variety of driver assistance features including Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Active Park Assist,” Kenner writes. “These features, if used properly, will provide the driver with additional information to help them drive more safely. However, these technologies are intended to assist the driver, not be a substitute for driver responsibility. “As part of our design process, which includes real-world validation, we evaluate our sensor technologies to determine their capability to detect other vehicles, including motorcycles,” he says. “While all sensor technologies have limitations, we design and validate our systems to detect motorcycles within the capabilities of the sensor technology.”
Mercedes-Benz USA Responds “Accident avoidance is the top priority for Mercedes-Benz,” writes Julian Soell, general manager of engineering services at Mercedes-Benz USA. “Driver assistance systems are, therefore, becoming increasingly important factors when it comes to improving road safety. Like the Mercedes occupant protection systems, they have been adapted based on real-life accident findings and the knowledge June 2013
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