Sci-Tech Information: ABI Calls for Widespread Introduction of Automatic Braking Technology
The Association of British Insurers has called on UK motor manufacturers to fit 'autonomous emergency braking' technology as standard on all new cars to lower motor insurance premiums.
AEB uses radar, lasers and optical sensors to identify other vehicles and pedestrians and automatically brakes if the driver does not respond in time to avoid a collision or lessen its impact.
The trade body also said this technology could cut personal injury claims by nearly a fifth. Currently only 23% of new vehicles available in the UK have AEB fitted as standard or as an option.
Speaking at The Future of Road Safety in the UK conference organised by Inside Government yesterday, the ABI's motor policy adviser Scott Pendry said: 'Insurers are so supportive of this technology and, in anticipation, of the benefits it will bring to road safety.
'Where we can recognise and reward technologies that will make vehicles safer for customers, we will do so, which is why AEB is such a great step forward for everyone in the motor insurance market who uses it.'
He added: 'It doesn't stop with AEB though. We are keen to encourage further safety innovations. Innovations that have a convincing and real effect on reducing accidents.'
In his closing remarks Pendry said: 'Insurers don't create the society in which we live. They hold up a mirror to it and price their policies accordingly.
'Our stance here is not about an industry looking to save money - that people's premiums will come down should be a secondary consideration.
'This is about the insurance industry taking a thought leadership role on a public policy problem that successive governments have swept under the carpet for far too long.'
He also urged the government to 'grip the bull by the horns' and issue a green paper to debate anddiscuss ways to improve safety.
Pendry continued: 'Introducing the fundamental change that is required will not be easy but the experience from abroad - the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - has shown that it can be done.'
Volvo's auto-braking detection system adds cyclists to the mix
You couldn't accuse Volvo of ignoring those people at risk of encountering the exterior of its vehicles rather than sitting inside them. The Swedish automotive manufacturer has already introduced pedestrian airbags and an automated braking system designed to avoid hitting pedestrians. Now Volvo has enhanced the latter to develop the world's first auto-braking cyclist detection system, which is being presented at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.
The new system, with the catchy name of "Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake," is essentially a software upgrade to Volvo's current Pedestrian Detection system. That system uses sensors to detect when a pedestrian steps out in front of a car and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't. Thanks to more rapid vision processing, the new system has been enhanced to detect cyclists in certain situations, such as one swerving out in front of the car.
PCDwfab (as we're going to call it for the sake of convenience) uses a dual-mode radar that is integrated into the car's grille to detect objects in front of the car and calculate the distance to them. The radar features a wide field of view to allow the system to detect pedestrians and cyclists as soon as possible. A high-resolution camera fitted in front of the rear-view mirror is then used to identify the type of object detected by the radar and calculate their pattern of movement.
The data from the radar and camera is fed to a central control unit that continuously monitors the traffic situation. Both the radar and camera need to confirm the type of object and whether they are on a collision course before a red warning flashes on the windscreen and the auto brake system is activated, applying full braking power if necessary.
In addition to pedestrians and cyclists, Volvo says the PCDwfab system also works with vehicles driving in the same lane - which would make it the Pedestrian and Cyclist and Vehicle Driving in the Same Lane Detection with full auto brake system, or PCVDSLDwfab system.
Volvo says the PCDwfab system will be available in its V40, S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 models from mid-May in 2013.
sources: [http://en.twwtn.com/Information/17_60123.html]
AEB uses radar, lasers and optical sensors to identify other vehicles and pedestrians and automatically brakes if the driver does not respond in time to avoid a collision or lessen its impact.
The trade body also said this technology could cut personal injury claims by nearly a fifth. Currently only 23% of new vehicles available in the UK have AEB fitted as standard or as an option.
Speaking at The Future of Road Safety in the UK conference organised by Inside Government yesterday, the ABI's motor policy adviser Scott Pendry said: 'Insurers are so supportive of this technology and, in anticipation, of the benefits it will bring to road safety.
'Where we can recognise and reward technologies that will make vehicles safer for customers, we will do so, which is why AEB is such a great step forward for everyone in the motor insurance market who uses it.'
He added: 'It doesn't stop with AEB though. We are keen to encourage further safety innovations. Innovations that have a convincing and real effect on reducing accidents.'
In his closing remarks Pendry said: 'Insurers don't create the society in which we live. They hold up a mirror to it and price their policies accordingly.
'Our stance here is not about an industry looking to save money - that people's premiums will come down should be a secondary consideration.
'This is about the insurance industry taking a thought leadership role on a public policy problem that successive governments have swept under the carpet for far too long.'
He also urged the government to 'grip the bull by the horns' and issue a green paper to debate anddiscuss ways to improve safety.
Pendry continued: 'Introducing the fundamental change that is required will not be easy but the experience from abroad - the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - has shown that it can be done.'
Volvo's auto-braking detection system adds cyclists to the mix
You couldn't accuse Volvo of ignoring those people at risk of encountering the exterior of its vehicles rather than sitting inside them. The Swedish automotive manufacturer has already introduced pedestrian airbags and an automated braking system designed to avoid hitting pedestrians. Now Volvo has enhanced the latter to develop the world's first auto-braking cyclist detection system, which is being presented at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.
The new system, with the catchy name of "Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake," is essentially a software upgrade to Volvo's current Pedestrian Detection system. That system uses sensors to detect when a pedestrian steps out in front of a car and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't. Thanks to more rapid vision processing, the new system has been enhanced to detect cyclists in certain situations, such as one swerving out in front of the car.
PCDwfab (as we're going to call it for the sake of convenience) uses a dual-mode radar that is integrated into the car's grille to detect objects in front of the car and calculate the distance to them. The radar features a wide field of view to allow the system to detect pedestrians and cyclists as soon as possible. A high-resolution camera fitted in front of the rear-view mirror is then used to identify the type of object detected by the radar and calculate their pattern of movement.
The data from the radar and camera is fed to a central control unit that continuously monitors the traffic situation. Both the radar and camera need to confirm the type of object and whether they are on a collision course before a red warning flashes on the windscreen and the auto brake system is activated, applying full braking power if necessary.
In addition to pedestrians and cyclists, Volvo says the PCDwfab system also works with vehicles driving in the same lane - which would make it the Pedestrian and Cyclist and Vehicle Driving in the Same Lane Detection with full auto brake system, or PCVDSLDwfab system.
Volvo says the PCDwfab system will be available in its V40, S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 models from mid-May in 2013.
sources: [http://en.twwtn.com/Information/17_60123.html]
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