Autoblog

Apparently, when some motorists see their speed displayed on a radar-assisted light sign, they don't pay much attention (hell, we've seen people speed up to see how high it goes).

The solution, it seems, may be in the form of Atkins' new speed sign that not only shows the speed of the vehicle and tells the driver to slow down, but also the displays the vehicle's license plate number.

The new technology is currently undergoing testing in the U.K. and, during a test run on the M42, elicited the desired response: brake lights.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Researchers in Germany are developing a vehicle safety system that sounds like something straight out of science-fiction.

The door and frame connection of a car is a weak spot in side collisions. After detecting an impending impact via mounted cameras and radar sensors, the experimental German safety system sends out an electric charge to the shape-memory alloy on the door. The alloy expands from the heat, which serves to reinforce the door-frame bond. The researchers are currently testing prototypes and plan to start full test crashes with vehicles in 2008.

[Source: New Scientist Tech via Cars!Cars!Cars!]

Nissan announced Wednesday the newest development under its "Safety Shield" accident prevention program - an electronic system that helps drivers control the distance between their car and the vehicle in front.

The system uses a front bumper-mounted radar sensor to determine the following distance and the relative speed of both cars. If the driver releases the gas pedal the system automatically applies the brakes. If the system itself determines that braking is required (presumably because the vehicle ahead is slowing), the driver is alerted by a lighted indicator and a buzzer, and the gas pedal automatically moves upward to "assist the driver in switching to the brakes."

Nissan expects the system to be particularly useful in heavy traffic, when frequent braking is required. No word on when (or if) the system will see production.

(Appreciate the tip, Dave)

[Source: Nissan]