Nissan tests collision avoidance system

Japanese drivers are testing technology designed to warn of impending collisions

Japanese drivers will soon be protected by new technology designed to warn them of an impending collision.

Similar to collision avoidance systems on aircraft, the in-car devices will track nearby vehicles and use a synthesised voice to alert drivers if they are on a potential collision course.

The system will also monitor traffic flow by tracking signals from mobile phones and warn drivers of slow traffic and other potential hold ups.

Some 10,000 Nissan owners will start using the technology next month as they "commute to work and run errands" on public roads near to Tokyo, the company announced in a statement. 

Cars using the system will have a dashboard-mounted screen and synthesised voice warning of various hazards in time for drivers to take evasive action.

For example, if the system detects that a car is approaching too fast from the left at a blind intersection, it will warn the driver with the words 'Car approaching from left'. The screen will also show the location of the approaching vehicle.

Similarly, if the driver appears to be approaching a red traffic light or a stop sign too fast to allow time to stop safely, the system will produce an audible alert.

Speed-limit warnings are also possible. For example if the driver exceeds the speed limit in a school zone, a buzzer will sound and the system will warn 'School ahead. Watch your speed'.