Honda targets pedestrian safety
25 August 2004 One solution is a bonnet which is able to detect an impending collision and pop up by 10cm to provide more cushioning for pedestrians. This is similar to a system already being tested by Ford. Honda reckons that by creating more space between the bonnet and hard engine components beneath, head injuries could be reduced by 40%. It has already achieved the most positive pedestrian protection results in Euro NCAP crash tests, but says the new system could be used in future models where the design cannot be shaped to reduce injuries. Sports cars are an obvious candidate as their leading edge can be particularly damaging to pedestrians. While Honda has put no timescale on when the bonnet might appear, its second new system, based on an infra-red camera, will be available on its Legend executive car which goes on sale in the UK in October 2005. The system has cameras which scan the road ahead and provide an infra-red image on a pop-up screen in front of the driver. The system can also provide a warning signal to the driver if objects ahead are in the vehicle's path and if they are pedestrians. Volvo had planned to offer night vision cameras as an option on its XC90 off-roader when it unveiled the car two years ago, but now says licensing problems mean it will not be available. |
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