Brussels, Belgium,
03
March
2015
|
02:00
Europe/Amsterdam

Toyota Safety Sense

Bringing active safety to the next level on all our models

Committed to achieving a safe mobility society, Toyota believes it is important to promote an approach which involves people, vehicles, and the traffic environment, as well as the pursuit of "real-world safety" by learning from accidents and incorporating that knowledge into vehicle development.

This year, Toyota is launching 'Toyota Safety Sense', a newly developed set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.

All cars equipped with Toyota Safety Sense will feature a Pre-Collision System1 (PCS) with an urban function and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). For vehicles equipped with millimetre-wave radar, Toyota Safety Sense will be further expanded with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and PCS with a Pedestrian recognition function. To further enhance safety as well as driver convenience, some models will also feature Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Road Sign Assist (RSA) systems.

Between speeds of approximately 10 km/h to 80 km/h, Pre-Collision System detects objects ahead of the vehicle and reduces the risk of hitting the car in front. When there is a possibility of a collision it prompts the driver to brake with an audible and visual alert. PCS also primes the brake system to deliver extra stopping force when the driver presses the brake pedal. If the driver fails to react in time, the system automatically applies the brakes, reducing speed by approximately 30 km/h2 or even bringing the car to a complete stop, in order to prevent the collision or mitigate the force of impact.

Vehicles equipped with a millimetre-wave radar benefit from the addition of Adaptive Cruise Control and a Pre-Collision System with two significant enhancements.

Firstly, for potential collisions with vehicles, PCS operates at an expanded relative speed range of between 10 km/h and the vehicle's top speed, and can reduce speed by approximately 40 km/h3. Secondly, the system is also able to detect potential collisions with pedestrians, in the event of which automated braking operates at relative speeds of between 10 to 80 km/h, and can reduce speed by approximately 30 km/h1.

Adaptive Cruise Control helps the driver to keep a safe distance from the car in front. It detects preceding vehicles and determines their speed. ACC then adjusts vehicle speed (within a set range) to ensure that there is a safe distance between both cars. By using the forward-facing camera and millimetre-wave radar in combination to monitor vehicles merging into or out of the lane ahead, ACC helps maintain smooth acceleration and deceleration while driving.

The Lane Departure Alert system monitors lane markings and helps prevent accidents and head-on collisions caused by leaving lanes. If the vehicle starts to deviate from the lane without the indicators having been engaged, LDA warns the driver with an audible and visual alert, and can provide steering input depending on the model.

Automatic High Beam helps ensure excellent forward visibility during night-time driving. It detects both the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the tail lights of preceding vehicles, automatically switching between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. By using high beams more frequently the system enables earlier detection of pedestrians and obstacles.

Road Sign Assist supports drivers by ensuring they always have the best possible information, even if they have, perhaps, overlooked a road sign. It identifies traffic signage such as speed limit, no overtaking, road condition and highway and expressway signs. System status and alert information is displayed to the driver on the instrument colour TFT multi-information screen. In case of speed limits, the system gives a visual and audible alert should the driver drive exceed the posted limit.

Thanks to the reduced risk of being involved in traffic accidents, vehicles equipped with Toyota Safety Sense can benefit from lower insurance costs4or a more advantageous insurance reclassification4.

The new safety pack will initially be made available on the new Auris and new Avensis ranges, as well as on AYGO and Yaris. Depending on model, Toyota Safety Sense will be offered as standard, or at a competitive price.

"By the end of 2015, up to 70% of European Toyota buyers will be able to spec their car with Toyota Safety Sense", says Didier Leroy, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. "It is only when safety systems are in widespread use that they can have a real impact on the elimination of traffic accidents and fatalities. That's why Toyota has decided to launch the democratisation of advanced safety technologies in its cars"

1 Technical name: Pre-Crash System

2 Results achieved during testing using a vehicle travelling at 30 km/h and a stationary vehicle/pedestrian system operation depends on driving environment (incl. road and weather) and vehicle circumstances.

3 Results achieved during testing using a vehicle travelling at 40 km/h and a stationary vehicle/pedestrian system operation depends on driving environment (incl. road and weather) and vehicle circumstances.

4 Market dependant