What Exactly is a Pre-Collision Alert System?
You may also know pre-collision alert systems as ‘forward collision avoidance technology’, ‘forward collision warning system’ or ‘autonomous emergency braking’ (AEB).
Whatever term you use to refer to it, the concept features around detecting danger in advance and preventing the collision, or minimising collision damage as much as possible if it can’t be avoided – by coordinating your engine, transmission and brakes in combination.
How Do Pre-Collision Alert Systems Work?
Pre-collision alert systems use cameras, laser beams and/or radar to scan and monitor the road ahead, alerting the driver to any objects or pedestrians. If the system detects an object that the driver does not appear to be reacting to it takes action.
Some systems will sound an alert and prepare the brakes for full stopping power; others will apply the brakes automatically to prevent a potential crash.
Generally, if the system determines that a crash is about to happen, it tightens the seat belts and pre-charges the brakes, giving the driver full braking power as soon as he or she presses the brake pedal. Some systems will activate the brake of the car, without the driver pressing the brake pedal, in order to avoid crashes below certain speeds.
What are the Benefits of Pre-Collision Alerts?
![What are the Benefits of Pre-Collision Alerts?]()
The benefits of pre-collision alerts are obvious – fewer roads crashes mean less injuries and lives lost on Australian roads. Drivers will also save significant amounts of money by avoiding collisions, making this safety feature a solid investment.
With pre-collision alert systems, the proof is really in the figures. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) carried out a detailed study of Australian crashes and found pre-collision avoidance technology would have reduced the number of fatalities and severity of injuries, with:
- 20 - 40% reduction in the number and severity of fatal crashes
- 30 - 50% reduction of all injuries
That’s some significant percentages for Australia drivers.
For heavy vehicles, the benefits are even greater, as collisions also affect productivity for commercial vehicles. According to TMR, the average benefit of installing a pre-collision alert system, over the life of a heavy vehicle is about $13,700, far exceeding the estimated cost of $1400 to $5000 per vehicle fit out (Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads).
In more good news, insurers are now even offering discounts of up to 20% on insurance premiums for vehicles equipped with pre-collision alerts (Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads).
Keen to Find Out More About Pre-Collision Alerts?
At Sydney’s Phil Gilbert Toyota you’ll find a range of new and used vehicles with pre-collision alert systems. The friendly and professional team can answer any questions you may have about this safety feature and arrange for you to test drive one of the Toyota vehicles to see for yourself.
