Nissan Shows Safety Technology

Source: AP

Some Nissan cars will soon come with a gas pedal that lifts to warn of possible collisions, while the cars will automatically stop if drivers take their foot off the accelerator in response to the warning.

The technology combines radar sensors and a computer system to assess a car's speed and the distance to a vehicle in front, Nissan Motor Co. (NSANY) said Monday. Cars with the new safety features will be available this year in Japan, and next year in the U.S.

The idea was to make a car that judges dangers on its own, like a friendly animal, so machine and driver can work together, said Nissan Senior Manager Yousuke Akatsu.

As soon as drivers lift their foot off the gas pedal, the brakes kick in automatically to bring the car to a stop, Akatsu said. The car will keep going if the driver continues to step on the gas pedal.



Read more: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20070806/D8QRI2680.html

Call it a hunch.

:P

Consider -- another car on the freeway cuts you off with an unsafe lane change. The computerized foot pedal warns you, and you lift off the gas as you note the other car. So, the system brings you to a stop on the freeway. Read that as "Full Stop". Not good.