Chapter List

29.1 Introduction

Many systems and technologies are now being implemented to alert the driver of a vehicle of a potential hazard and assist him or her in taking action to avoid that hazard. This chapter will discuss these systems and enabling technologies.

Although object detection and collision-avoidance systems may still be regarded as being in their infancy, their perceived value in enhancing safety and reducing accidents is high. These systems promise special benefits for older drivers: As drivers age, they expect to continue to be able to drive safely, even though their reaction times are increasing and senses like sight and hearing are diminishing.

Work on radar systems for vehicles has been under way since the 1950s and has been well documented. Until recently, however, very little of this work led to practical, economically viable products mainly because of the limited existing electronic controls on vehicles, and the high cost of enabling technologies such as semiconductors (mainly analog-based at the time) and radar systems.

Two categories of systems are currently available or under development: passive collision-warning systems and active collision-avoidance systems. A passive system will detect a hazard and alert the driver to risks, whereas an active system will detect...