System Effective in More Than 90% of Speed Ranges in Rear-end Collisions

Toyota City, Japan, Nov 12, 2012 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that it has developed a Pre-collision System (PCS) with collision avoidance assist that is effective in helping mitigate even high-speed(1) collisions.

The newly developed PCS uses millimeter-wave radar to detect the risk of a rear-end collision with a preceding vehicle, with the system warning the driver via sound and display alerts to prompt braking when such a risk is detected. When the driver applies the brakes, PCS enables deceleration of up to 60 km/h(2) by greatly increasing the braking force up to twice(3) that of the average force applied by drivers. If the brakes are not applied, automatic deceleration(4) of 15 km/h to approximately 30 km/h(5) is possible(6).

More than 90 percent of rear-end collisions occur when the difference in speed between the preceding and following vehicle is within 60 km/h(7). TMC aimed to develop a system based on real-world collision data, and has, with its newly developed system, achieved rear-end-collision reducing-effects at the highest level in the industry. The new PCS was developed to be used in a wide variety of models, and is to be rolled out starting with soon-to-be-launched models.

To contribute to the elimination of traffic accident fatalities and injuries - the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility - TMC is conducting research and development on individual onboard safety devices and systems based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept(8), an approach that gives direction to safety technology and vehicle development. TMC is pressing forward with the development of safer vehicles and technologies and is intensifying its wide-ranging traffic-safety initiatives by participating in the development of traffic environments and conducting educational traffic-safety activities.

(1) Research has shown that a speed of 40 km/h to 60 km/h at the time of a rear-end collision is the range in which the number of fatal and injury-causing accidents increases
(2) When the driver's car is traveling at 80 km/h and the preceding car is traveling at 20 km/h
(3) According to analysis of U.S. accident data
(4) Deceleration when no brake is applied is initiated from 15 km/h
(5) When the driver's car is traveling at 50 km/h and the preceding car is traveling at 20 km/h
(6) Full capabilities may not be possible in certain road environments or under certain weather conditions
(7) Preliminary calculations from traffic accident statistics from the Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis (ITARDA)
(8) An approach to safety - not focused solely on independent safety systems - that seeks to provide the driver with comprehensive support in all aspects of driving.

About Toyota

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of March 2012, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 50 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 160 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.



Source: Toyota

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