Improved sensor systems increase car safety

MIT Technology Review : The Highway Loss Data Institute has shown that autonomous braking systems, which detect potential collisions and apply a vehicle’s brakes automatically, have reduced the number of insurance claims. However, the systems are still only available in a small number of new cars. Of the 2013 model year, 29% had optional forward-collision warning systems, and only 12% of those included autonomous braking. One of the latter is the Lexus LS, which can slow down enough to avoid a collision if it is moving at 25 mph (40 kph) or less. The system uses millimeter-wave radar, a technology introduced for collision warning systems 10 years ago. As the radar’s range of detection is limited, software improvements are what have allowed for the development of automatic braking systems. Because 90% of rear-end collisions occur at speeds of 37 mph or less, Toyota, which owns the Lexus brand, hopes to improve its braking system to handle that range. More-advanced collision-avoidance systems have been developed for driverless cars manufactured by Google and Toyota, but they are extremely expensive. Nevertheless, the falling costs of forward-collision avoidance systems and side- and rear-impact warning systems are leading to greater availability and safety in newer vehicles.