Nissan to debut anti-prang tech next week
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Nissan will next week show of a prototype car capable of automatically avoiding collisions.
The system uses an array of sensors around the vehicle that detect objects the car could collide with. Something in the way? Then the motor's on-board computer activates any or all of the four brakes to prevent prangs.
Nissan's AACF: electric eye
Nissan said the prototype "All-Around Collision-Free" vehicle guard against blind-spot collisions, banging into another car when you're backing out of a parking space and inadvertent lane changing.
However, avoiding accidental lane changes involves tracking the car's movement against lane markers - Nissan didn't say whether the system uses regular road markings or requires special beacons to be put down. Either way, drift too far over and an alarm will sound. Keep going, and the braking system will edge you back.
Distance, lane-discipline mandated
Nissan's AACF system will also prevent you getting too close to the car in front, by moving "the accelerator pedal up against the driver's foot" if the gas pedal is being pushed, or by engaging the brakes if cruise control has been activated.
AACF is essentially the same technology that Ford plans to build into a number of car models next year and has already brought to market this year as the Volvo XC60's "City Safety" system.
Real-time feedback
City Safety is designed to prevent prangs when you're in slow-moving traffic, ideally moving at less than 20mph. So too is the system installed in Honda's CR-V, and Mercedes' Distronic technology.
Nissan's system extends beyond radar to real-time communcations between vehicles and the road infrastructure. One detector scans for traffic lights and, on the basis of what colour it sees and how long the light shines for, warns the driver to slow down to avoid a signal violation.
The car's own data is pinged out to other vehicles, allowing them to warn their drivers that some fool's about to run a red light at the crossing they're approaching, auto-braking if necessary. Similarly, the system will warn you if an attempt to cross a lane - you're turning right, for instance - will put you in front of a rapidly approach motor you might not have seen.
COMMENTS
Alright. Own Up
How many of you are actually Jeremy Clarkson?
We've all gone crazy!
We have ear mounted devices that prevent us from sleeping behind the wheel.
We have GPS systems to guide us around jams.
We have handsfree sets for our phones.
We have distance sensors telling us how to park.
Does anyone just drive anymore, or is it just me!?
People who are drowsy think that ear mounted device will keep them awake.
People following GPS instructions will inevitably hit a tree or end up in a small river.
People with handsfree sets end up using them to call roadside help after causing accidents.
Women drivers (oh oh) and distance sensors... I need not say more.
And now we have another system to rely on!?
Jeez people, LEARN HOW TO F*CKING DRIVE!
Tilt brakes
Safety features bah. What was wrong with throwing an anchor out of the window ?
The end result of the extra safety features is people relying on them to cover their own stupidity.
As for my title... I drive a 44 tonner. Our company has installed trailer "tilt brakes" on various new trailers and they are a downright hazard. The system is not designed to stop a vehicle falling over because if that situation arises then it's already too late. It's to stop pallets falling over in the trailer. I guess some highly intelligent (read Brain dead) person figured that to reduce kinetics just apply the brakes. I'm sure you can visualise that jamming the brakes on the trailer whilst the unit is trying to accelerate out of a roundabout actually INCREASES kinetics. And do the brake lights come on ? I don't know, I'm trying to haul this thing up to speed not stop it practically dead mid roundabout.
Continuing on this (sorry), as a driver that HAS put a vehicle on it's side (M62-J26) anything that affects the natural (expected) balance is quite frightening ( I was accelerating away from roundabout with a copper following me, turn up slip road to join M62 east and a suspension airbag on drive axle gave way = defective drivers mirror (Lorry laying on it)).
This rant could go on but it would bore you and I'm sure you've already got the gist.
Whilst I can dig some improvements (disc brakes etc) ANYTHING that takes control away from driver is a danger.
At steve .. re: VED.
Right on !!
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