Article Advise

submitted: Jul 19th 2008 | by: JasonLancaster | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 528 | |

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.

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.

Bosch's solution is to implement a predictive brake-assist technology which prevents accidents by detecting, then reacting to possible accidents by activating the brakes. The technology monitors the traffic around the vehicle continuously, and determines stopping distance. The ongoing function of this technology in the vehicle's computer prepares the hydraulic brake for full-force braking when an accident is imminent.

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.

The predictive brake-assist technology is only one new electronic system to improve automotive safety. In addition to Bosch's proposed predictive brake assist technology, there's also something called "lane departure notification." Simply stated, lane departure notification uses an electric eye to determine if the car is driving outside the lines. This system would most benefit drivers who may be falling asleep, as driving outside the lane will trigger an audible warning.

Continuing with the notion that drivers themselves may be the greatest safety danger they face, Bosch has proposed adding a sixth star to the current vehicle safety rating system. This new star will rank a vehicle's accident avoidance systems, such as lane departure notification and predictive brake-assist. It will help consumers evaluate how well a vehicle will help them stay safe on the road, not just how well it will withstand an accident.

About the Author

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

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