New regulations soon to be brought in by the European Commission will mean that all new cars will be fitted with autonomous emergency braking technology (AEB).
It works using radar, lidar (laser) or video technology, which sends a signal to warn the driver of a collision about to occur and primes the brakes.
This essentially works as an emergency stop and is useful in frontal collisions such as those in slow moving traffic.
The implications of the technology being rolled out on a wide scale are likely to include fewer collisions, better road safety and less whiplash claims, as drivers will not be forced to stop as suddenly.
Some versions of the technology are also able to deal with collisions likely to occur when vehicles are travelling at a higher speed.
These systems will be able to see if a pedestrian has ventured onto the road and apply the brakes before impact.
A study into the technology carried out by the European Commission shows that road traffic accidents could be cut by 27 per cent.
This could mean that 8,000 lives are saved each year and between £3.9 billion and £6.3 billion.
Philippe Jean, of the European Commission, said: “Our studies indicate that the resulting reduction in congestion due to accidents would represent an economic value of about €100 million (£78.5 million) in Germany alone.”
He has announced that all commercial vehicles will have to have the technology fitted by November next year to gain European Type Approval.
Further to this it has been suggested that a similar strategy be adopted with regard to passenger vehicles too.
via TRL
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