This report focuses on two types of electronics-based object detection and warning systems for commercial vehicle applications - those sensing the presence of objects to the rear of the vehicle, and those sensing the presence of objects on the right side of the vehicle. The rearward sensing systems are intended to help drivers avoid backing their vehicles into parked cars, pedestrians, loading docks, or other objects. The right side sensing systems are intended primarily as supplements to outside rearview mirror systems to help drivers detect adjacent vehicles or pedestrians when making lane change, merging, or turning manoeuvres. The report describes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) initial evaluation of the performance of object detection and warning systems. (Author/publisher)
Abstract