Automakers have long developed passive safety systems, such as seatbelts. But now, with recent advancements in sensor technology, the industry is working on safety devices that are active and intelligent. These include adaptive cruise control and forward lighting, which can adjust to changing conditions. Drivers can also look forward to head-up displays, night vision, tire-pressure monitoring and ultrasonic park assist systems.

Adaptive cruise control aims to make driving stress-free by maintaining a pre-selected distance from the car in front. By tracking the interval between cars and controlling the throttle and brake, it makes sure that the vehicle does not get perilously close to the car directly in front. Drivers can set the designated distance, and when that distance is breached, the system warns the driver with an audible alert or automatically reduces the vehicle's speed.

Adaptive forward lighting systems are also responsive. Unlike traditional static headlamps, adaptive forward lighting systems can adjust the length, width and direction of the beam pattern. The reflector electronically rotates in response to the steering wheel's angle and the vehicle's speed. When the low beam is on, the system orients the light beam to the precise area that has to be illuminated—the direction in which the car is traveling.

Head-up display systems, meanwhile, promote vehicle safety by presenting driving information at or close to the forward line of sight of the driver. Drivers can thus keep looking at the road and gripping the steering wheel while they obtain important information. The car's windshield serves as an optical element to generate virtual images in the driver's direct field of vision.

Night vision technology improves visibility by sensing heat generated by objects. Using infrared technology, a camera and sensors mounted on the front grill of the car, the system converts thermal energy images into digital signals and projects them onto a head-up display system. The technology can pick up heat given off by objects on and near the road, such as trees, sidewalks and animals.

Tire-pressure monitoring technology ensures safety by alerting drivers to potential problems, such as possible leaks, punctures and low pressure. It constantly tracks a vehicle's tire pressure, internal tire temperature and tire acceleration rate to make sure that tires are performing at their peak.

Backing up is also getting safer. With ultrasonic park assist technology, drivers can reverse their cars without worrying about accidentally bumping into an unseen object. Ultrasonic sound waves detect and warn drivers if anything is in the way. Using the technology, drivers can also determine how close the rear bumper is to an object while in reverse.

Active safety technology is already being employed in Ford Motor Co.'s new concept car—the T2S (Telematics to Safety) vehicle. The recently unveiled car includes:

Indeed, when it comes to car safety, passive and preventive are making way for active and adaptive.

Source: New Technology Improves Vehicle Safety
Austin Weber
Assembly Magazine, Jan. 2003
http://www.assemblymag.com