Innovative Technology Provides Way to Avoid Pedestrians - and Accident Fault?

Each year large cities report various cases of pedestrian and vehicle accidents. While most city governments are working with law enforcement to lessen the number of accidents and increase the safety measures, it appears that innovative technology will be the leading method and ultimate solution for tackling this ongoing problem.

Honda Tech Research

Honda has announced that it is currently working on a way to avoid vehicle accidents with pedestrians through certain mobile devices. According to SAE "Researchers are using information gleaned from driver simulation lab studies in Japan and the U.S. The newest facility, which opened in October 2012 at The Ohio State University, features three different stations with the primary simulation lab featuring a 2010 Honda Accord buck mounted to a six-axis platform."

The components of this high-tech approach to safety are still in the research stage. However, it is easy to imagine a distracted pedestrian entering the crosswalk with a vehicle bearing down on them going 35 mph. With the above mentioned technology, instead of the expected collision, the short range communication of the smartphone could signal a high-pitched warning beep to alert the driver of the possible accident.

How it Works

Through GPS data, smartphone applications and algorithms, you can assess the location, speed, direction and distracted state of the pedestrian and driver of the vehicle. Honda and Qualcomm are working in tandem on phone and vehicle handling aspects of the V2P demonstration. Focus is primarily on the existing phone hardware at present, but they’ll be faced with challenges such as reducing false positives in the algorithms and learning how to integrate the DSRC appropriately with other vehicle related sensors. The way the alerts are communicated to the driver is another important aspect of this type of safety feature to ensure that the appropriate action is taken in a timely manner.

Pre-Tech

Until this new vehicle/pedestrian safety technology comes to fruition, everyone can work to maintain their own safety, and the wellness of others. Phones, notebooks and other distracting material should be put away during travel. If walking, you need to be aware of your surroundings before you venture onto the street. You should use the age-old method of looking both ways to ensure that it’s safe for you to cross. Drivers can also practice safety by giving pedestrians the right of way. Traffic signals and speed limits should be obeyed.

According to a leading Chicago car accident attorney "Bad drivers and distracted drivers cause accidents every day." In some cases, especially in large busy cities, an accident is bound to happen. In the event an accident with injuries occurs, the help of a knowledgeable legal professional in your city will be beneficial. If you are in a large metropolitan area like Chicago, you can easily access the aid of an experienced Chicago car accident attorney. This help will be especially important if you are faced with severe or permanent injuries, and a mounting stack of financial debt related to your case.

Although not yet available to the public, Honda has unveiled what looks to be a promising approach to safety technology that may help cut down the number of pedestrian and vehicle collisions in the future. With further advanced research and sensory development, these latest technological advances will soon be able to integrate your smartphone with your car and operate as a reliable alert system to avoid an accident.