Details of new Toyota safety technologies that will be made available in its production vehicles to reduce common low-speed parking collisions and high-speed rear-end shunts have been revealed. The announcement was made at the annual Safety Seminar in Japan this week. Toyota also recently announced the opening of its new proving ground for testing its Intelligent Transport System (ITS) that uses radio communications between vehicles, road infrastructure and pedestrians to improve road safety.

New Toyota safety technology to prevent accidents

Toyota has developed two systems to prevent collisions in parking situations where drivers either push the wrong pedal or select the wrong gear. The first Toyota safety system is called the Intelligent Clearance Sonar which detects obstacles that are out of the driver’s sight and automatically applies the brakes if a potential collision is detected. The system will set off an alarm, reduce engine power and apply the brakes to prevent a collision.

The second system is Drive-Start Control which recognises if the wrong gear has been selected when the driver applies the throttle. A warning light will flash and the engine output will be reduced to limit a sudden start or acceleration. Both systems will be introduced in future vehicles.

Pre-Crash Safety System with Collision Avoidance Assist

Toyota has further developed its Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) System with Collision Avoidance Assist that helps reduce the consequence of rear-end impacts, particularly at high speeds.

PCS is already available on various Toyota and Lexus models and uses a millimetre-wave radar to monitor the risk of a collision with the vehicle ahead. In the event of an imminent collision, an alarm goes off along with a warning display to urge the driver to apply the brakes. When the brake pedal is pressed, the system increases the braking force up to twice the average level achieved by drivers, actively reducing speed. The system can slow the vehicle down by up to 60km/h and if the driver does not apply the brakes, the system will automatically do so to minimise the impact.

Intelligent Transport System Proving Ground

Toyota has developed a new 3.5 hectare site to evaluate its Intelligent Transport System technology. The new proving ground simulates an urban environment complete with traffic signals. The site will allow Toyota to test road-vehicle communications using a 700Mhz radio frequency in controlled but authentic road conditions.

Toyota will accelerate its research and development of environmental systems to improve fuel efficiency and driver support systems that can help reduce the risk of accidents with pedestrians and other road users in urban traffic. Safer vehicles and the elimination of road accident injuries and deaths form part of the ongoing Toyota safety strategy.