2012/11/27

TMC Develops Collision Avoidance Assist System Effective at High Speeds

TOYOTA CANADA - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced that it has developed a Pre-collision System (PCS) with collision avoidance assist that is effective in helping mitigate high-speed[1] collisions.

The newly developed PCS uses millimeter-wave radar to detect the risk of a rear-end collision with a preceding vehicle, with the system warning the driver via sound and display alerts to prompt braking when such a risk is detected.  When the driver applies the brakes, PCS enables a reduction in speed of up to 60 km/h[2] by greatly increasing the braking force up to twice[3] that of the average force applied by drivers. If the brakes are not applied, automatic reduction in speed[4] of 15 km/h to approximately 30 km/h[5] is possible[6].

More than 90 per cent of rear-end collisions occur when the difference in speed between the preceding and following vehicle is within 60 km/h[7]. TMC aimed to develop a system based on real-world collision data, and has, with its newly developed system, achieved rear-end-collision reducing-effects at the highest level in the industry. The new PCS was developed to be used in a wide variety of models, and is to be rolled out starting with soon-to-be-launched models.

To contribute to the elimination of traffic accident fatalities and injuries—the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility—TMC is conducting research and development on individual onboard safety devices and systems based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept[8], an approach that gives direction to safety technology and vehicle development. TMC is pressing forward with the development of safer vehicles and technologies and is intensifying its wide-ranging traffic-safety initiatives by participating in the development of traffic environments and conducting educational traffic-safety activities.

[1] Research has shown that a speed of 40 km/h to 60 km/h at the time of a rear-end collision is the range in which the number of fatal and injury-causing accidents increases 
[2] When the driver's car is traveling at 80 km/h and the preceding car is traveling at 20 km/h 
[3] According to analysis of U.S. accident data
[4] Deceleration when no brake is applied is initiated from 15 km/h 
[5] When the driver's car is traveling at 50 km/h and the preceding car is traveling at 20 km/h 
[6] Full capabilities may not be possible in certain road environments or under certain weather conditions 
[7] Preliminary calculations from traffic accident statistics from the Japanese Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis (ITARDA – Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis) 
[8] An approach to safety—not focused solely on independent safety systems—that seeks to provide the driver with comprehensive support in all aspects of driving