Safer cars on the way

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http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20121125-385697.html

Car safety systems are getting so advanced and prevalent that the adage "flying is safer than driving" may soon be overturned.

Volvo's newly unveiled V40 boasts pedestrian airbag - an industry first. In a frontal collision with a pedestrian, the car deploys an external airbag at the base of the windscreen that also raises the rear end of the bonnet, cushioning the victim and reducing the severity of his injuries.

The car even tries to avoid the person in the first place, thanks to Pedestrian Detection. Using a radar in the front grille and a camera in front of the rear-view mirror, the device detects pedestrians in the car's path and warns the driver with a buzzer and a flashing light.

If the driver does not react and a collision is imminent, Pedestrian Detection automatically activates the brakes. It can stop the car completely if it is not travelling faster than 35kmh and reduce the force of the impact at higher speeds.

Elsewhere, Toyota is working on a host of safety systems that allow cars to retard acceleration if the driver steps on the wrong pedal or engages the wrong gear.

Like Ford Motor, the Japanese company is testing a system which allows cars to "communicate" with other vehicles, infrastructure and even pedestrians. If successful, it reduces the risk of accidents which happen because of blind spots - for instance, a car rounding a corner to find a stalled vehicle in its path. Or overtaking a long trailer on the highway without spotting a small motorcycle in front of it.

General Motor's OnStar and BMW Assist will automatically alert emergency response centres of an accident.

The advent of these systems follows closely several other safety-related innovations which have surfaced in the last five to 10 years.

The most prevalent system, however, is the simple reverse camera. This allows drivers a full rear view when the Reverse gear is engaged. It is especially useful for big vehicles such as MPVs and SUVs.

All these systems will no doubt make motoring safer. But they may not be accessible to enough consumers - especially those in developing countries - to have a significant impact globally.

The United Nations says road accidents are among the three top causes of death for people aged between five and 44.