Honda cars to offer pre-crash radar braking

Honda Motor Co. has developed a new computerized radar system that warns drivers of an impending crash with slight braking and a tweaking of the seat belt.

Honda's system works even before the driver responds unlike Toyota's system where the system would not go on until the driver first steps on the brakes.

In Honda, the radar is placed in the front of the car stashed behind the "H" logo which detects vehicles within a range of about 100 meters (300 feet) ahead. The system initially pulls on the seat belt and brakes slightly to warn the driver. A buzzer also goes off and a small light flashes on the dashboard.

If the driver steps on the brakes, another system kicks in to strengthen the power of the brakes. If the driver fails to respond, the car brakes more and tightens the seat belt further to soften the blow of the crash.


This intelligent and beautiful "collision mitigation brake system'' will be offered on the most expensive model of the new Inspire sedan that goes on sale for 3.5 million yen (US$30,000) in Japan Thursday, Honda officials said Wednesday.



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