Intelligent Vehicle Technologies for Safer Roads
Support Systems Driving
Support systems integrated into vehicles help drivers avoid or mitigate accidents by identifying danger. Depending on the threat level, these eSafety systems:
- Alert the driver of impending danger.
- Warn the driver if there’s no reaction to the first alert.
- Actively assist or intervene to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences.
Preventive Safety Systems
These systems also help to:
- Maintain a safe speed and distance from other vehicles.
- Stay within lane markings.
- Avoid dangerous overtaking.
- Navigate crossings safely.
- Prevent accidents involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians.
- Reduce the severity of accidents if they occur.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
The ABS prevents wheel locking by modulating brake pressure when the driver fully engages the brake pedal. On slippery surfaces, this system helps maintain steering control and reduces stopping distances. ABS was first used in cars in 1970 and became widely adopted, with a 91% installation rate in new vehicles by 2006.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
ACC enhances cruise control by automatically adjusting speed and distance based on the vehicle ahead. Using radar, it slows down or accelerates the vehicle without driver input. Current ACC systems primarily operate within a limited speed range. Future systems aim to function at all speeds, enhancing safety and comfort.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights adjust the light beam’s direction based on steering angle, speed, and vehicle movement. This ensures optimal road illumination, especially during turns and deceleration.
Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assistant
These systems monitor rear blind spots, alerting the driver with visual or tactile warnings before lane changes or overtaking maneuvers, enhancing safety in urban traffic.
Drowsiness Monitoring and Alert Systems
These systems detect driver drowsiness through facial expressions, hand and foot movements, head position, and heart rate analysis. Alerts are issued in case of drowsiness or distraction.
Electronic Brake Assist (EBS)
EBS assists drivers in emergency braking situations. It detects rapid brake application and automatically applies maximum braking power, potentially avoiding accidents or reducing their severity.
Electronic Stability Control
This system helps drivers maintain control of the vehicle during skids or loss of traction. It detects deviations from the intended path and applies individual wheel braking to correct the vehicle’s course.
Gear Shift Indicator (GSI)
GSI promotes fuel-efficient driving by visually indicating the optimal gear for fuel economy and smoother driving.
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
LDWS monitors the vehicle’s position within the lane, warning the driver if it deviates or is about to deviate. Advanced systems use vision-based technology to interpret road markings and vehicle position.
Night Vision Systems
These systems enhance visibility in low-light conditions using infrared sensors. They display a clear image of the road ahead on a dedicated screen, allowing drivers to detect obstacles and hazards earlier.
Obstacle and Collision Warning Systems
These systems use radar, lidar, and/or video processing to detect obstacles and warn the driver of potential collisions. They may also prepare the braking system, airbags, and seatbelt tensioners for impact.
Pedestrian Protection System
This system uses sensors to detect pedestrians and cyclists, applying automatic braking or other measures to avoid or mitigate collisions. It may also activate structural protection elements like airbags and hood lifting devices.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
TPMS monitors tire pressure, alerting the driver to underinflation. Direct TPMS uses sensors inside each tire, while indirect TPMS relies on wheel speed and other vehicle signals.
Intelligent Car Initiative: Smarter, Safer, Cleaner Cars
The Intelligent Car Initiative aims to address challenges posed by increasing road traffic, such as congestion, environmental impact, and accidents. It promotes the development and deployment of intelligent vehicle technologies to enhance safety, reduce accidents, and improve traffic flow.
eSafety: Collaborative Efforts for Safer Transportation
eSafety focuses on using information and communication technologies (ICT) to create smarter and safer vehicles. The eSafety Forum brings together stakeholders to eliminate barriers to the deployment of these technologies.
Overcoming Barriers to Smart Car Adoption
Despite their benefits, intelligent vehicle technologies face barriers to widespread adoption. The European Commission’s”Intelligent Car Initiativ” aims to address these barriers by fostering consensus, removing legal and institutional obstacles, and promoting user demand.
Accelerating the Adoption of Intelligent Vehicles
The Intelligent Car Initiative employs policy instruments, research, and communication to accelerate the deployment of intelligent vehicle systems in Europe and internationally. It focuses on ensuring interoperability, supporting research and development, and raising awareness among users and decision-makers.
Cooperative Systems for Enhanced Road Safety
Cooperative systems enable communication between vehicles and infrastructure, improving safety and traffic management. These systems enhance the quality and reliability of information available to vehicles, leading to greater efficiency and safety.
Dynamic Traffic Management
Variable road signs (VMS) are used to manage traffic flow, improve safety, and optimize road network operations. They provide drivers with real-time information on speed limits, lane closures, detours, and hazards.
Pan-European Emergency Call System: eCall
eCall automatically contacts emergency services in the event of a serious accident. It transmits vital data, such as location and vehicle information, potentially reducing response times and saving lives.
Extended Environmental Information
This system uses data from various vehicle sensors to provide information about the surrounding environment, such as weather conditions, road surface, and potential hazards.
Intersection Assistant (Not Yet Available)
This future technology aims to reduce intersection accidents by providing drivers with warnings about right-of-way, traffic light information, and potential collisions.
Local Danger Warning
This system uses variable road signs and other communication methods to warn drivers of local hazards, such as accidents, road work, or adverse weather conditions.
Speed Alert and Wireless Local Danger Warning (Not Yet Available)
This future system will use wireless communication to provide drivers with real-time information about speed limits, obstacles, emergency vehicles, and other potential hazards.
Location-Based Services for Road Safety
Location-based systems, such as eCall and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), use GPS and digital maps to enhance safety. They provide accurate location information to emergency services and enable ADAS features to predict potential hazards.
The Benefits of Intelligent Vehicles: Safety and Economic Impact
Intelligent vehicle technologies offer significant social and economic benefits. Studies have shown that widespread adoption of systems like eCall, ACC, and Lane Support could save thousands of lives, reduce accident-related costs, and improve traffic flow.
SEiSS Study Findings:
- eCall could reduce fatalities by 5-15% and save up to €22 billion in social costs annually.
- ACC could prevent 4,000 accidents by 2010 with only a 3% penetration rate.
- Lateral Support systems could prevent 1,500 accidents in 2010 and 14,000 accidents by 2020 with increased adoption.
- Drowsiness monitoring systems could prevent 30% of fatal crashes on motorways.
Other systems, such as speed alerts and gear change indicators, also contribute to cleaner, safer, and more efficient transportation.