The increasing rate of pedestrian accidents is the biggest concern in Canada. You can find the death reports of several bicyclists and pedestrians. Of course, passengers inside the cars are also at risk. So, what is the best way to overcome these problems? Has the automobile industry taken any initiatives to keep pedestrians secure? Most automakers try to introduce new models with more advanced safety features. Many innovative cars are now integrated with Pedestrian Detection Systems to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other commuters. So, let us explore Pedestrian Detection Systems for cars and their advantages.
What Are The Main Reasons Behind Pedestrian Accidents?
Collisions between cars and pedestrians led to injuries and the loss of many lives. The main causes of crashes are-
Distraction
If the driver’s mind is distracted, there is a high risk of pedestrian accidents. Careless drivers do not pay attention to pedestrians who are crossing the road.
Speeding
Sometimes, the driver drives the car at a significant speed, and it prevents him from stopping the car instantly. As a result, he hits the pedestrians and causes fatalities.
Impaired Driving
It is another factor reducing the reaction time. The driver fails to avoid crashing with pedestrians.
Both pedestrians and drivers should be mindful to ensure their safety. Pedestrians need to consider the designated crosswalks while crossing the road.
Know About Pedestrian Detection Systems
Pedestrian Detection System is an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) intended to detect pets, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the highway. When the system detects the risk, it gives a visual or audible warning message to drivers. While some PDs only send the alarms, others have automatic emergency braking capabilities. Automatic emergency braking for pedestrians is highly advantageous. If the driver has not used the brake system after receiving the warning message, AEB is turned on. So, it causes the car to apply brakes. Not every PD vehicle has AEB. All AEB-integrated vehicles do not have PD systems.
How Does Pedestrian Detection System For Cars Work?
Accurate detection of pedestrians or bicyclists is challenging and complicated. The problem arises when it is about detecting objects using car sensing technology. PD systems obtain data from innovative sensors to learn about the surroundings. Most PDs depend on-
- Radar Sensor– It is resistant to weather elements, dirt, and lighting. But, it is not very effective in detecting pedestrians.
- Camera Sensor– It is the best choice for pedestrian identification. However, weather conditions and dirt can affect it.
- LiDAR– Dirt and outdoor elements cannot affect this sensor. Nevertheless, it is sensitive to fog and rain. Direct sun rays may also affect the sensor’s performance.
Several newly launched vehicles in Canada and other countries have Pedestrian Detection Systems as the optional or standard feature. But, some PDs cannot detect pedestrians in dim light conditions. Still, a few car brands have been successful in integrating more advanced and efficient PDs. Trends in PD technology are moving towards thermal imaging and LiDAR.
Although most systems use a radar or camera, LiDAR is a trendy solution. It is also a perfect choice for hybrid systems for better performance throughout the day. Technological benefits include real-time tracking of free space while detecting objects.
Incorporating LiDAR takes PD systems to a higher level. This technology uses laser beams to generate a comprehensive 3D map of the surrounding environment. That is why it results in more precise pedestrian detection. Lighting conditions do not affect its performance. Still, the PD system’s power may vary with-
- AI technology
- Sophisticated algorithms
- Hardware
The smart systems evaluate data from LiDAR and start processing it. The multi-sensor approach guarantees accuracy, and the system can easily react to collision risks.
Do You Need To Calibrate PD Sensors?
To get the optimal value from AEB and Pedestrian Detection technology, you should properly calibrate and clean the sensor. You may calibrate ADAS after multiple instances like fend benders and collisions.
Some auto repair shops provide ADAS calibration services. They help you deal with the challenges related to the calibration process. So, if your car has ADAS, look for calibration centers.
More Things That You Must Remember
Although Pedestrian Detection systems are advanced, they can never replace an attentive car driver.
- Try to check the surrounding areas before crossing the road.
- As a vehicle driver, you could not always predict what a standing child or any adult would do. A computer system also fails to predict it.
- Dusk and twilight are the riskiest times for drivers and pedestrians. During these times, vision gets reduced.
Pedestrian Detection System For Cars And Its Future
With technological evolution, pedestrian detection systems provide several advantages. Sensor technologies have become more refined. Moreover, better connectivity and artificial intelligence will improve functionality and accuracy. Automotive researchers are working on PDs to integrate better Machine Learning abilities and advanced algorithms. So, the future systems will be able to adapt to any type of traffic conditions.
Automakers will integrate PDs with other features, such as adaptive cruise control. It leads to automatic adjustment of the car’s speed to keep the vehicle distant from pedestrians. This integration will improve the safety ecosystem. Cars will proactively respond to the movements of every pedestrian.
Vehicle-to-infrastructure- V2I will also bring a positive transformation to PDs. There will be a minimal risk of false alarms.
Conclusion
PD technology will evolve continuously for years. There is a potential to improve road safety, if you can use the technology properly. The Pedestrian Detection Systems for cars promise to make streets safer for passengers and pedestrians. With intelligent algorithms and sensors, PDs can identify potential crashes.
However, automotive engineering experts have to find gaps in the existing systems to ensure a better outcome. Consumers should be educated and aware of these systems to stay safe. Moreover, the government of the country needs to introduce safety regulations for pedestrians.