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Redirected from: pre-collision system

Definition: collision avoidance system


(1) See adaptive cruise control, semiautonomous vehicle and self-driving car.

(2) An in-vehicle safety system that applies the brakes when it detects a possible forward collision. Based on the current driving speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead (determined by radar), a collision avoidance system warns the driver first and intervenes if no human action is taken. Advanced systems can apply the brakes when heading into an oncoming car while turning the corner.

Cross Traffic Avoidance
A cross traffic system alerts the driver that a car or cyclist is about to cross in front. It may also stop the vehicle.

Collision Avoidance in Reverse
Safety devices when backing up a vehicle have matured. The most elementary "rear blind zone assist" is a set of sensors that cause audible beeps when getting close to an object. That evolved to a rear camera that enables drivers to see objects on screen that are directly behind the car. The camera was later augmented with a "cross traffic" or "cross path alert" system that warns the driver when a car is moving perpendicular to the rear. Advanced systems can also sense pedestrians and cyclists and may even be able to apply the brakes as in forward collision detection. See automotive safety systems.




Rear Cross Path Alert
When backing up in this 2017 Honda, cars coming into the driver's path are alerted by audio and visual alerts. In this example, beeps were heard along with flashing orange arrows (right side) as a car was approaching from behind on the passenger side.