Auto braking: a quantum leap for road safety - Telegraph
It’s a familiar tale. You’re travelling in slow-moving traffic when, before you can react, the car in front stops suddenly. You slam on the brakes but it’s too late and there’s a sickening crunch as bumpers meet. It’s a minor collision, but getting the cars repaired will take time and most likely push up your insurance premium come renewal, and then there’s the ever-present threat of whiplash claims.
Such accidents could soon be a thing of the past, for those driving new cars at least, thanks to Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). It’s a system that uses radar, lidar (laser) or video technology to warn the driver of an impending frontal collision before priming the brakes and eventually performing an emergency stop.
Car Active eSafety systems can prevent accidents from happening & could save 6123 lives & prevent 135,834 injuries on European roads each year. In the long run we want a world where cars don’t crash.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Euro NCAP to drive availability of AEB systems for safer cars in Europe
Brussels, 13 June 2012 – Euro NCAP today publishes the results of its survey on the availability of Autonomous Emergency Braking systems in Europe and reveals that the assessment programme will include AEB technologies in its star rating from 2014.
Real world performance data suggests AEB systems can reduce accidents by up to 27%. Although the introduction of these active safety technologies is reducing road deaths and injuries, the availability of AEB in Europe is far from standardized. A recent survey undertaken by Euro NCAP reveals that AEB is completely unavailable on 79% of the car models on sale in Europe and that 66% of manufacturers do not offer an AEB system on any of their new car models.
Autonomous Emergency Braking systems can help to avoid crashes or to mitigate their severity by warning the driver and supporting his braking response and/or by applying the brakes independently. The technology generally uses forward-looking radar, lidar and video systems to provide a complete, accurate, real-time image of the road ahead.
Since 2010, several car manufacturers have been recognized for the safety benefits of their AEB systems through Euro NCAP Advanced rewards. Euro NCAP finds that premium brands such as Volvo, Infiniti and Mercedes have the best levels of standard AEB fitment, and are joined by Jaguar, Range Rover, Audi and Lexus when optional fit is also considered.
Cars in the Executive and Large Family categories have the highest level of availability, at least as an option. However, some volume sector manufacturers are showing that AEB can be offered as standard or as an affordable option on mass-market vehicles. Amongst others, Mazda, Ford, Honda and Volkswagen are selling AEB systems partly as standard or optional on some high-volume cars such as the Mazda CX-5, the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic and the VW up!. It is understood that Fiat will also make AEB a low-cost option on the new Panda in July 2012.
AEB systems are increasingly being made available as cars are replaced by new or facelifted models, such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Ford Fiesta and Ford Kuga. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP says ‘A faster penetration of these technologies into new cars will make it more realistic for the European Union to reach its target to cut road deaths by 50% by 2020.
Consequently, Euro NCAP has decided to include AEB assessments as part of the overall star rating from 2014 onwards and hopes that European authorities will soon require AEB as mandatory on all new vehicle types.’
Since Euro NCAP published the first safety rating in 1997, considerable efforts have been made by car manufacturers, technology providers, authorities and road operators to make cars safer. Despite an important reduction of road deaths the past 15 years, in Europe today, over 30,000 people are still killed on the road and many more are injured every year.
The inclusion of AEB systems in the Euro NCAP star rating will alert and encourage consumers to choose AEB when buying a new car as it will improve their safety, make a real difference and help them avoid or mitigate a crash. Results of Euro NCAP’s AEB survey were released today at a major event organized for the 15th anniversary of the organization at the Autoworld in Brussels. Details on the survey are available on the Euro NCAP website. Watch our AEB video and click here to check the results of the AEB survey. Media Contact: Marie Brasseur, Euro NCAP Communications Manager Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pusha
Real world performance data suggests AEB systems can reduce accidents by up to 27%. Although the introduction of these active safety technologies is reducing road deaths and injuries, the availability of AEB in Europe is far from standardized. A recent survey undertaken by Euro NCAP reveals that AEB is completely unavailable on 79% of the car models on sale in Europe and that 66% of manufacturers do not offer an AEB system on any of their new car models.
Autonomous Emergency Braking systems can help to avoid crashes or to mitigate their severity by warning the driver and supporting his braking response and/or by applying the brakes independently. The technology generally uses forward-looking radar, lidar and video systems to provide a complete, accurate, real-time image of the road ahead.
Since 2010, several car manufacturers have been recognized for the safety benefits of their AEB systems through Euro NCAP Advanced rewards. Euro NCAP finds that premium brands such as Volvo, Infiniti and Mercedes have the best levels of standard AEB fitment, and are joined by Jaguar, Range Rover, Audi and Lexus when optional fit is also considered.
Cars in the Executive and Large Family categories have the highest level of availability, at least as an option. However, some volume sector manufacturers are showing that AEB can be offered as standard or as an affordable option on mass-market vehicles. Amongst others, Mazda, Ford, Honda and Volkswagen are selling AEB systems partly as standard or optional on some high-volume cars such as the Mazda CX-5, the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic and the VW up!. It is understood that Fiat will also make AEB a low-cost option on the new Panda in July 2012.
AEB systems are increasingly being made available as cars are replaced by new or facelifted models, such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Ford Fiesta and Ford Kuga. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP says ‘A faster penetration of these technologies into new cars will make it more realistic for the European Union to reach its target to cut road deaths by 50% by 2020.
Consequently, Euro NCAP has decided to include AEB assessments as part of the overall star rating from 2014 onwards and hopes that European authorities will soon require AEB as mandatory on all new vehicle types.’
Since Euro NCAP published the first safety rating in 1997, considerable efforts have been made by car manufacturers, technology providers, authorities and road operators to make cars safer. Despite an important reduction of road deaths the past 15 years, in Europe today, over 30,000 people are still killed on the road and many more are injured every year.
The inclusion of AEB systems in the Euro NCAP star rating will alert and encourage consumers to choose AEB when buying a new car as it will improve their safety, make a real difference and help them avoid or mitigate a crash. Results of Euro NCAP’s AEB survey were released today at a major event organized for the 15th anniversary of the organization at the Autoworld in Brussels. Details on the survey are available on the Euro NCAP website. Watch our AEB video and click here to check the results of the AEB survey. Media Contact: Marie Brasseur, Euro NCAP Communications Manager Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pusha
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Relative Risks of Speeding and Drinking compared
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| Ref: Table 5.2 page 54 |
From the cover page 'In a 60 km/h speed limit area, the risk of involvement in a casualty crash doubles with each 5 km/h increase in travelling speed above 60 km/h'
80 mg alcohol/100ml blood = x3.2 alcohol relative risk increase
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| Ref: |
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| Ref: |
From BAC Effects table a Blood Alcohol Content 0.1% is legally drunk. From BAC Chart for Men for a 160kg man legally drunk approx. 3-4 x 175ml glasses Red Wine.
Friday, July 8, 2011
I'm now an Advanced Driver!
My old pal Steve Yates (facebook comments) asked me how I got on with the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) course and test that I started September 2010?
Early in 2010, I'd focussed on replacing our 10 year old Renault Megane and 5 year old Fiat Punto car with safer (5 star) EuroNCAP cars. During Spring/Summer 2010 (after much analysis on spreadsheets comparing more than twenty cars), Sharon and I bought a new Nissan Qashqai and a 2007 Vauxhall Corsa which were both fitted with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and (numerous) other safety features
Sharon gave me the IAM (Institute Advanced Motorists) Skill for Life Programme for my birthday August 2010 - at £139 it's a bargain!
My local instructor from Bournemouth IAM was David Hodges, a retired science teacher who had passed his IAM Advanced Driving Test four years ago and was now a trained Observer. I'd drive to his home in my Qashqai and then drive for 90 minutes on the 12 or so runs (September 2010 to June 2011).
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| included in the £139 IAM fee |
- Vehicle Sympathy
- yanking up the handbrake - no ratchet
- 3 point turns - turning the steering wheel when not moving
- gear changes were rushed
- not putting clutch down before starting car
- Braking
- using gears to slow down the car instead of 'Gears to go, brakes to slow'.
- on stopping use handbrake then get out of gear (don't go into neutral then apply handbrake)
- Gear Changing
- changing down gears several times before reaching a 'hazard'
- changing gears whilst not travelling in a straight line
- holding gear stick incorrectly when changing gears
- 'The System' - Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration (IPSGA)
- Mirror Signal Manoeuvre order
- Progress
- not looking for an 'early view' at roundabouts (I argued with David that this approach could be less safe!)
- Observation
- not remembering the last traffic sign just passed (revealed a lot about how the mind works)
- Smoothness
- not smooth driving
- Slow Manoeuvring
- not accurately aware of distances behind or in front of car on 3 point turns
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| David Hodges lent me a Roadcraft DVD |
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| Recommended Book |
April 21st 2011 with Keith Bowers (Bournemouth IAM)
Skill level 1 (Unsatisfactory) to 4 (excellent)
Pre-Drive Checks: 3 (polish a little), Driver Attitude: 3, System 3, Observation & Planning: 3 (several missed signs, also read the Highway code), Car Control: 3 (gear change - handling gear stick, timing gear change, gear selected), Positioning: 3, Cornering: 3, Overtaking (no chances), Manoeuvres: 2 (practise turn in road to judge vehicle length. Reverse around corner-avoid swan-neck, Commentary (N/A), Knowledge check: 3 (see observation & planning).
Points for next observed run: Test ready, subject to more practise on points above.
Unfortunately the Pre-Test run had not prepared me for the higher level of standard required of 'System' checks at the Advanced Drivers Test.
Advanced Drivers Test
I took the Advanced test on 11th May 2011 with Paul Williams (a Police driving instructor and Qualified Examiner). I thought I'd done well but I failed the test because:-
- System
- 8 examples of not using mirror before signalling or braking (my errors in this regard had not been highlighted sufficiently by David Hodges or Keith Bowers. By contrast, Paul Williams recognised my consistent error)
- brake-signal-no mirror
- late signals after braking
- several disallowed overlapping breaking and gear manoeuvres
- 3x: brake-mirror-brake-gear-brake
- brake-gear-signal-brake
- Acceleration / Sense
- accelerating towards one traffic light
- Cornering
- bend assessment was not consistent - I slowed down after the focal point opened up instead of increasing acceleration smoothly
- Progress
- really overcautious once - not keeping up to the 40mph speed limit and had held up following traffic (on the re-test Paul advised that I would not have passed the normal driving test because of several instances of overcautious driving) and too slow at a junction.
Paul Williams written remarks were 'Whilst the drive was safe and generally polished and most areas exceeded competency, System lacked sufficient consistency to achieve competency, and improvement are needed with hazard management, use of mirrors and cornering.
Between the Test and the Re-test
The test had highlighted that my main weakness was application of the 'System' (IPSGA - Information Positioning Speed Gear Acceleration) which includes the Mirror Signal Manoeuvre of the standard driving test. I had not got into the habit of always using the mirror before braking or signalling. I occasionally used the brake before signalling. Over decades I got into the habit of using my brakes whilst changing gear. The brake/gear overlap technique is only allowed when a car is following close behind and I was using the B/G overlap far too frequently (which can increase the risk of skidding)
I had another couple of lesson with David Hodges before the re-test and gradually I ironed out these issues.
Between the Test and the Re-test
The test had highlighted that my main weakness was application of the 'System' (IPSGA - Information Positioning Speed Gear Acceleration) which includes the Mirror Signal Manoeuvre of the standard driving test. I had not got into the habit of always using the mirror before braking or signalling. I occasionally used the brake before signalling. Over decades I got into the habit of using my brakes whilst changing gear. The brake/gear overlap technique is only allowed when a car is following close behind and I was using the B/G overlap far too frequently (which can increase the risk of skidding)
I had another couple of lesson with David Hodges before the re-test and gradually I ironed out these issues.
At the 6th July 2011 re-test all went well! The only points noted in writing by Paul Williams were:-
- one instance of signalling after braking
- one instance of break/gear overlap because my speed of approach was marginally too quick.
His written remarks were 'Competency has been achieved in all areas to produce a safe, systematic and progressive drive'.
Test & Re-Test Competance Levels
1 to 5 (1-Excellent, 2-Good, 3-Satisfactory, 4-Poor, 5-Unsatisfactory)
(test: May 2011, re-test July 2011)
Safety (2,2), System (5,2), Observation (2,2), Positioning (2,2), Hazard Management (5,2), Planning (3,2), Anticipation (3,2), Eco-Driving (2,2), Vehicle Sympathy (2,2), Gear Changing (2,2), Use of Gearbox (2,2), Acceleration /Sense (3,2), Braking (2,2), Steering (2,2), Mirrors / Rear Observation (5,2), Signals (2,2), Cornering (5,2), Overtaking (NA,NA), Restraint (2,2), Progress (3,2), Smoothness (2,3), Concentration (1,2), Courtesy (1,3), Legality (1,2), Slow Manoeuvring (2,2), Knowledge (3,2), Commentary (NA,NA)
I passed the 6th July 2011 re-test! Now I'm a qualified IAM Advanced Driver!!
Many thanks to Paul Williams, Keith Bowers and especially to David Hodges.
Test & Re-Test Competance Levels
1 to 5 (1-Excellent, 2-Good, 3-Satisfactory, 4-Poor, 5-Unsatisfactory)
(test: May 2011, re-test July 2011)
Safety (2,2), System (5,2), Observation (2,2), Positioning (2,2), Hazard Management (5,2), Planning (3,2), Anticipation (3,2), Eco-Driving (2,2), Vehicle Sympathy (2,2), Gear Changing (2,2), Use of Gearbox (2,2), Acceleration /Sense (3,2), Braking (2,2), Steering (2,2), Mirrors / Rear Observation (5,2), Signals (2,2), Cornering (5,2), Overtaking (NA,NA), Restraint (2,2), Progress (3,2), Smoothness (2,3), Concentration (1,2), Courtesy (1,3), Legality (1,2), Slow Manoeuvring (2,2), Knowledge (3,2), Commentary (NA,NA)
Many thanks to Paul Williams, Keith Bowers and especially to David Hodges.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Cars fitted with Speed Limitation Assistance (SLA)
Safety Assist rating on cars with Speed Limitation Assistance (SLA) is always > 86% in New Rating Scheme (from 2009).
BMW Series 5 - Euro NCAP Safest Executive Car 2010 - Includes Speed Limitation Assistance (SLA)
Euro NCAP is glad to announce the five best performing cars of 2010. To be selected as safest cars of their categories, these vehicles achieved a high overall score and attained the coveted five star rating.
Last year, Euro NCAP crash tested twenty nine vehicles, 65% of which reached the five star rating, compared to 90% in 2009. This decrease of 25% clearly shows that Euro NCAP’s criteria to reach a five stars are now tougher. While Euro NCAP’s poorest results of 2010 were achieved by the Citroen Nemo with three stars and by the Landwind CV9 which received only two stars, the top achievers by category are:
- Executive category: BMW 5 Series
- Small Family category: Alfa Romeo Giulietta
- Supermini category: Honda CR-Z
- Small off-road 4×4 category: Kia Sportage
- Small MPV category: Toyota Verso
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
'No excuse' is delivering in Dorset - 50% reduction in fatalities
reposted: http://www.roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/1324.html
Big falls in Dorset’s KSI (Killed Seriously Injured) and fatality figures are being largely attributed to ‘no excuse', a yearlong mass enforcement and publicity campaign.
'No excuse' is delivering in Dorset
Big falls in Dorset’s KSI (Killed Seriously Injured) and fatality figures are being largely attributed to ‘no excuse', a yearlong mass enforcement and publicity campaign.Robert Smith added: “Brand awareness of ‘no excuse’ has increased to 93%. Of the 7% who said they hadn't seen or heard about it, the vast majority were visitors from outside Dorset, suggesting an astonishingly high awareness level."
For more information contact Robert Smith on 01305 224680.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
About Car Active eSafety by crabsallover
Car Active eSafety systems can prevent accidents from happening & could save 6123 lives & prevent 135,834 injuries on European roads each year*. In the long run we want a world where cars don’t crash.
Whilst driving your car what would you rather do? Be well protected in a car crash with Passive Safety Systems such as seatbelts & airbags. Or never crash at all? If the latter (and who wouldn't?) your next car should be fitted with Car Active eSafety (CAeS) systems. In Europe these eight CAeS could save 6123 lives & prevent 135,834 injuries (1*) each year by 2020:-
Whilst driving your car what would you rather do? Be well protected in a car crash with Passive Safety Systems such as seatbelts & airbags. Or never crash at all? If the latter (and who wouldn't?) your next car should be fitted with Car Active eSafety (CAeS) systems. In Europe these eight CAeS could save 6123 lives & prevent 135,834 injuries (1*) each year by 2020:-
1) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) In emergencies prevents skids / rolls. 3253 lives & 52,182 injuries saved If Fitted In (IFI) 75% cars.
2) SpeedAlert (SPE) Informs you about advisory & legal speed limits. 1076 lives & 34,887 injuries saved IFI 39% cars.
3) eCall (ECA) In a crash dials emergency services giving your cars' location. 728 lives saved IFI 50% cars.
4) Lane Keeping Support (LKS) Prevents your car drifting into the next lane. 678 lives & 17,296 injuries saved IFI 18% cars.
5) Emergency Braking (EBR) In an emergency automatically applies your car brakes. 193 lives & 10,925 injuries saved IFI 9% cars.
6) Full Speed Range ACC (FSR) Keeps your car at a safe distance from car in front. 101 lives & 9,774 injuries saved IFI 11% cars.
7) Driver Drowsiness Monitoring (DDM) Alerts you when you are sleepy at the wheel. 94 lives & 2,174 injuries saved IFI 4% cars.
8) Lane Change Assistant (LCA) Helps you to safely change lanes. 86 lives & 8,596 injuries saved IFI 9% cars.
Worldwide the roads each year have 1.2 Million (M) deaths & 50M casualties (3*). In Europe, 300M drivers have 1.3M accidents & 41,000 people die (2*). In UK in 2007, 2,946 died (49% car users, 21% pedestrians, 20% bikers, 5% cyclists, 5% other vehicles) & UK casualty rate was 199 casualties /100M km in 1967; 48 /100M km in 2007. (5*) In UK in 2008 (3*), 2,538 died of which 1,257 (again 49%) were car users, 10,711 were seriously injured with 149,188 car user casualties (injured or maimed). In UK in 2009 (6*) 2222 died, 222,146 reported casualties of all severities, 24,690 were seriously injured and 195,234 were slightly injured.
Refs: 1* fig. 12+13 tinyurl.com/3ym7jl9, 2* tinyurl.com/2w8sqa8, 3* tinyurl.com/lkrn65, 5* tinyurl.com/q3oxq 6* tinyurl.com/3abo3ex
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