General Motors is implementing a brand new safety feature to its GMC Terrain SUV series, a camera mounted to the top of the windshield which
uses alerts to warn drivers away from potential collisions. The high
resolution digital camera is capable of identifying both lane markings
and the position of nearby vehicles, allowing it to anticipate any
imminent dangers in advance. The driver is notified through either a
visual or audible warning when their vehicle is trailing too close or if
their car exits its lane without signaling. Available for $295, the GMC
Terrain is the first of three models to adopt this revolutionary crash
avoidance system. The company expects to add this option to the Cadillac
SRX and the Chevrolet Equinox at some point later this year.
According to estimates brought forth by the National Automotive Sampling
System (NASS), more than a quarter of the nearly 6 million annual
traffic incidents can be attributed to rear-end collisions. Furthermore,
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has gone on
record to state that many of these accidents are the result of
inattentive drivers and negligence of proper safety procedures. In
response to these statistics, GM has developed a system that helps
drivers maintain awareness of potential hazards and react accordingly.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given an
endorsement of the new system, indicating it may result in a reduction
of such incidents.
