New Smart Cars Can Predict Emergencies and Make Drivers Safer | Auto Finance

By JasonLancaster
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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.

Robert Bosch LLC has come out with new research that found two out of three drivers don't hit the brakes with enough force just before an accident. This isn't because the driver wants the accident - it's because the overload of information and stimuli, from multiple warning systems, distracting passengers, and the mental load of processing events on the road, all compete for mental resources, and slow down the decision-making process by a few vital milliseconds. The result is the driver hitting the brakes just a moment too late, or not quite hard enough.

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 no evidence yet to predict how the predictive brake-assist system will help reduce the over 2 million front-end collisions which occur each year, it's reasonable to believe it will be useful overall. However, some believe this technology could actually be detrimental to drivers' safety, because of the possible assumption that the car will do the braking in lieu of the driver, and the driver therefore will not attempt to stop the car on his or her own. This argument may seem strange, but can hold some validity. More research is needed before the predictive brake-assist technology can become a necessary safety feature on new vehicles.

Manufacturers are already beginning to develop predictive braking technology into their new vehicles. Some, such as Cadillac, Volvo, Toyota and BMW, are currently experimenting with the technology. Others have implemented the system into their new models. Mercedes-Benz's SL550 can detect an emergency by sensing the amount of pressure the driver applies to the brake pedal, and reacts by implementing the maximum power boost.

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 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.

About the Author

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

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