A new ContiGuard safety sensor system by the Continental Corporation
may help prevent rear-end collisions at speeds below 18 mph. According
to the manufacturer, most rear-end collisions occur during city driving
in slow stop-and-go traffic.
If there is a risk of collision with the vehicle in front and the
driver fails to react in time, ContiGuard can automatically apply the
brakes. Infrared beams monitor up to about 20 feet in front of the
vehicle. The sensor is capable of picking up vehicles that are stopped
or moving slowly in the same direction. If the closing rate is regarded
as critical, the system applies the brakes automatically.
The system is currently being installed on Volvo XC60s, and will probably be available on other vehicles soon.
