Using Forward Collision Alert, General Motors hopes to significantly reduce rear-end “tailgating” collisions in vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado. Forward Collision Alert tech will be available in many 2015 Chevrolet vehicles. This system will alert the driver if they are following too closely and, if necessary, can slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision if the driver’s reactions are deemed too slow.
“Many of us have been in driving situations where the car ahead of us suddenly slows – or we momentarily look away at the wrong time – and we have to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision,” said General Motors Active Safety Technical Fellow Raymond J. Kiefer. “Front Automatic Braking provides a layer of driver assistance beyond Forward Collision Alert systems to help prevent this common crash situation.”
The Chevrolet Silverado’s Forward Collision Alert system uses radar to determine the distance of a vehicle that may be a dangerous obstacle. Once detected, a green automobile icon will appear. If tailgating is detected, the icon turns red/amber. If the driver fails to slow appropriately, a warning will flash “Collision Alert” in red accompanied by a loud, repetitive beep.
In Chevrolet models equipped with the available Safety Alert Seat that is turned on, instead of beeps, the seat quickly pulse several times (5) on both sides. If the driver still ignores the warnings and an imminent threat is still detected, the system can slow and stop the vehicle.
“Our system lets customers select either Far, Medium or Near when it comes to the timing of the alerts,” said Kiefer. “Our goal is that our customers leave safety systems on every trip so they can take advantage of the potential safety benefits.”
A system like this, if used properly, could save hundreds of lives each year.
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