Hazards ahead: Toyota’s new safety world first

Toyotas will talk to the road and each other
Toyota is planning to cut accident rates by using transponders in cars
David Long14 November 2015

In what it claims is a world first, Toyota is planning to cut accident rates by using transponders in cars to communicate with other vehicles and the road infrastructure.

Already available in Japan on three different models, the new Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) uses a dedicated radio frequency which the government has reserved for just such a service.

At its simplest the system warns drivers to lift off the throttle as they approach a red light. However it will also sound a warning if the car appears to be about to pull in front of another vehicle or if a pedestrian steps into the road.

At its simplest the system warns drivers to lift off the throttle as they approach a red light

Where two vehicles are fitted with ITS their transponders can also enable them to match speeds more efficiently when both drivers are relying on cruise control.

Toyota says low visibility conditions do not reduce the system’s efficiency, and that it can identify hazards at a greater distance than conventional on-board warning systems.

Of course to optimize its performance the road infrastructure needs to be upgraded, and so far only a small number of Tokyo junctions have been ITS-equipped. There are plans to expand the system, however, and Toyota is already working with several partner companies to achieve this as quickly as possible.

Clearly the benefits will multiply if and when rival manufacturers join the Toyota initiative but so far at least there are no signs of ITS making it to Europe.

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