As vehicle technology continues to evolve, it won’t be long before we live in a world where our automobiles take over when we fail to acknowledge a threat. Autonomous vehicles are on the horizon, but in the meantime, other developers are coming up with their own unique ways to ensure safety.
Continental has one such system that its makers believe can have a very positive impact on safety. In 2013, the company will roll out something called Emergency Steer Assist. Although Continental has not acknowledged what vehicle is likely going to come out with this technology first, Automotive News says that it will be the newest version of the Mercedes S-Class.
The technology works like this: two stereoscopic cameras are placed facing forward on the windshield of a vehicle while a radar sensor gets installed elsewhere on the automobile. Whereas radars are better equipped to ascertain threats farther away, the cameras can recognize upcoming objects as they draw nearer. Working together, these technologies can determine whether an evasive action needs to be taken. In such instances where braking would not cut muster, the system can opt to swerve instead, hopefully keeping persons inside the vehicle or in the path of the vehicle safe.
One other benefit is the fact that this system purportedly works all the way up to 45 miles per hour as compared to other pedestrian detection measures that can only be utilized under 20 mph.
Hopefully these technologies can help drastically reduce traffic collisions.