Driver assistance systems aim to halve traffic accidents

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Sensor Review

ISSN: 0260-2288

Online from: 1981

Subject Area: Electrical & Electronic Engineering

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Document Information:
Title:	Driver assistance systems aim to halve traffic accidents
Author(s):	Christine Connolly, (Associate Editor, Sensor Review)
Citation:	Christine Connolly, (2009) "Driver assistance systems aim to halve traffic accidents", Sensor Review, Vol. 29 Iss: 1, pp.13 - 19
Keywords:	Cars, Drivers, Motorways, Road safety, Transportation safety
Article type:	Technical paper
DOI:	10.1108/02602280910926715 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal how technology is being applied to augment drivers' skills and improve road safety throughout Europe. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with a description of the European Commission's car safety initiatives, and why they are necessary. Then three driver-assistance systems are examined in detail: adaptive cruise control, lane departure and lane-changing systems, and driver vigilance monitoring. Findings – Radar, lidar, and imaging sensors are being used and sometimes fused to build highly intelligent driver assistance equipment. The response of the system is crucial to its acceptance and success: false alarms or over-violent actuation would lead to rejection. Neither must the system encourage over-confidence. It is estimated that drowsiness detection could prevent 30 per cent of fatal motorway crashes. Originality/value – The paper alerts engineers and drivers to a long-term Europe-wide project to develop and deploy driver assistance technologies.