New pre-crash safety technologies about to be launched in a Toyota model in Japan inlcudes a radar system that can detect probable front-side collisions and rear seats that prepare occupants for front- and rear-end collisions.
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Toyota is claiming world firsts for both.
The front-side pre-crash safety system was developed in response to research showing that collisions caused by a vehicle moving into the projected path of another result in the highest percentage of combined serious injuries and fatalities, while head-on collisions result in the highest rate of fatalities.
This technology uses diagonally projected, front-side millimetre-wave radar to more broadly detect vehicles or objects moving into the vehicle’s path (especially in intersections where there is a clear range of view) or a vehicle that has crossed the centre line. If a high probability of collision is detected, safety functions within the car are activated to alert the driver and mitigate collision damage and occupant injuries.
Pre-crash seatbacks automatically bring reclined rear seats to an upright position when the vehicle’s sensors detect a high probability of a front- or rear-end collision. Rear occupants are therefore restrained in the most appropriate pre-crash position where the motor-powered seatbelts and airbags can have maximum effect—thereby helping to reduce the severity of injuries.
In the event of a probable rear-end collision, the pre-crash seatbacks work together with (previously developed) pre-crash intelligent headrests, which shift into the most appropriate position to reduce the risk of whiplash.
