DaimlerChrysler aims to halve traffic light, road junction accidents

"The intelligent assistance system uses video cameras to recognise potential dangers, such as traffic approaching from the side, so drivers can take appropriate action to avoid potential collisions," said Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Middle East.

DaimlerChrysler says that around 60% of all urban traffic accidents occur at intersections as a result of red lights or stop signs being ignored. These collisions are mainly caused by a driver's attention being diverted, by a false assessment of the situation or by a late reaction.

Experts estimate that about half of traffic light or intersection accidents could be avoided if drivers were warned and could take evasive action.

The system developed by DaimlerChrysler includes a video camera behind the windscreen that supplies traffic pictures and includes a picture-processing algorithm that analyses these images using pattern recognition. For example, bright lights, such as traffic signals can de distinguished from brake lights. The system will also recognise road signs and other markings.
Even greater safety advances can be achieved with the addition of Intersection Assistant, a motion recognition system.

Information from a digital roadmap ensures that two cameras can monitor the road ahead to provide advance information of approaching traffic lights or intersections. Within a millisecond, the system registers objects moving towards the vehicle from the side. By analysing the direction, motion, distance and speed in relation to that of its own vehicle, the system assesses whether there is a risk of an accident.

No matter whether cross traffic, traffic lights or road intersections, if the object has been recognised and the driver does not react, he or she receives a visual and then acoustic warning. Automatic emergency braking has also been performed with engineers aiming to give maximum support for anticipatory driving without relieving drivers of their responsibility.

"DaimlerChrysler's goal for the future is to produce intelligent assistance systems that can interpret situations in advance," added Speeks. "With the aid of sensor data, DaimlerChrysler engineers are already able not only to analyse traffic situations but also to forecast whether a situation could result in an accident and this leads to enhanced road safety.