Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems

Crash safety

Crash safety is split into two areas of focus: Secondary Safety — technology that helps the human occupant survive the forces of an inevitable crash; and Primary Safety — technologies that help to avoid the crash in the first place. Over the past 50 years, vehicle manufacturers have focused mainly on the need to protect the occupant in a crash and we've seen lots of new technology that reduces the risk of injury, such as steering wheel airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and stronger occupant compartments. But prevention is better than cure - avoiding the crash in the first place.

The new future

New technologies now coming forward will have a significant effect on the way the public view crash safety — with cars being able to avoid or mitigate (reduce) the likelihood of a crash occurring in the first place. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is an example of a technology that has been shown to reduce life-threatening crashes by up to 25%. By applying braking to individual wheels it can help to prevent a skid or spin. New Collision Avoidance systems also use automatic application of braking, but to reduce speed, rather than controlling the direction of the vehicle. These new technologies such as low cost radar, lasers and optical sensors are now being fitted to mainstream vehicles that will enable the car to monitor both road conditions and traffic levels, and ensure that our cars do not collide.