Groundbreaking technology a 'Protector' of pedestrians
Many years of research show that behaviour is behind the majority of accidents. Lack of attention in traffic is alone responsible for more than half of all accidents. Partners in the Protector project have shown, however, that modern cars can be equipped with systems that help the driver concentrate on the road. The basis of their research work consisted of in-depth knowledge about accident scenarios, which they analysed to the tiniest detail. Over the three years' duration of the Protector project, numerous in-depth studies put the spotlight on preventing accidents from occurring in the first place. By the end of the Protector project, a unique new technology was unveiled that allows the car to detect a pedestrian who has walked in the roadway, alerting the driver in advance. In order to prompt an immediate, intuitive reaction, the driver gets an audible warning together with a flashing light. This safety innovation is the next step in the continuous development of technologies that detect dangerous situations and actively help the driver avoid an accident. Before the Protector project, technologies were developed to help the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles. Now researchers are taking a giant step forward with a system that also boosts the safety of until now unprotected road users. The Protector system developed to help the driver avoid an accident comes into its own in the constant fight against unwelcome traffic statistics. Nonetheless, accidents happen and it is therefore vital cars are built in such a way that their effect is minimised.
