3.0 Benefits and Costs of Intelligent Vehicles
Intelligent Vehicles
Program Areas
- Collision Avoidance Systems
- Driver Assistance Systems
- Collision Notification Systems
Figure 3.0.1
Classification Scheme for Intelligent Vehicles
In-vehicle applications of ITS, known as intelligent vehicle technologies, use vehicle-mounted sensors and communications devices to assist with the safe operation of vehicles and mitigate the consequences of crashes that do occur. The many intelligent vehicle applications under various levels of development, testing, and deployment fall into three technology application areas as depicted in Figure 3.0.1. Collision avoidance systems monitor a vehicle's surroundings and provide warnings to the driver regarding dangerous conditions that may lead to a collision. Driver assistance systems provide information and in some cases assume partial control of the vehicle to assist with the safe operation of the vehicle. With the aim of speeding aid to victims after a crash occurs, collision notification systems alert responders when an accident occurs, with more advanced systems providing additional information on crash characteristics that can aid medical personnel.
Sections 3.1 through 3.3 discuss each of these intelligent vehicle technology application areas in greater detail.