Honda has developed a system called the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMS) that anticipates a collision based on driving conditions, distance to the vehicle ahead and relative speeds.
It then uses visual and audio warnings to prompt the driver to take preventative action and also initiates braking if the driver fails to respond to the warnings. The system is due to be introduced into the Japanese domestic market with the June release of the new Inspire.
The CMS uses radar to scan the road 100 metres ahead and calculates the likelihood of a collision by analysing the distance between the vehicles, the relative vehicle speeds, and the anticipated vehicle path. If the computer’s efforts aren’t enough to prevent a collision the system also has a number of functions to reduce impact on occupants, including a brake assist function that digs the anchor in a little more deeply and seatbelt control that increases seatbelt tension to hold the driver more securely in place.
Sound like a great idea, but let’s hope it isn’t too intrusive. Perhaps there’s place for a version that applies the brakes on minibus taxis as soon as the wheels start to turn?