pedestrian-detection

If you own a mobile phone--especially a smartphone--you may have noticed some changes in yourself the past few years. Maybe you've begun communicating exclusively in emoji. Maybe you've become incapable of interacting with non-touchscreens. But one thing's nearly certain: that mini computer in your...Read More»

Look at any parking lot, and you'll notice two kinds of people: those who, upon finding back-to-back spots, pull through to the other side so they can drive straight out when their shopping errands are done, and those who stop at the dividing line, preferring to back out into traffic. According to...Read More»

Last week, Prius owners sued Toyota over its pricey pre-collision safety system -- a system dubbed such a complete flop that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety won't even bother rating it. Coincidentally, Toyota also made two announcements last week intended to rebuild its reputation for...Read More»

Every few days, it seems as if another automaker announces a high-tech means to eliminate traffic accidents in the coming years. Recently we've seen two promising candidates. Last week, Nissan vowed to bring autonomous vehicles to showrooms by the year 2020. That's exciting, but autonomous cars...Read More»

No doubt about it: Volvo has had a rough couple of years. After being sold to Chinese automaker Geely in 2010, the brand has struggled to regain its footing. Whether that's due to the shift in administration, a slowdown in research and development, lackluster quality scores, or a general lack of...Read More»

In 2011, the U.S. reached another record-low auto fatality rate, but the drop in deaths hasn't been even across the board. In 2010, for example, pedestrian fatalities actually ticked up 1%, and in 2011, the rate jumped 3%. Perhaps more troubling -- especially if you're a guy -- is a new study...Read More»

Pedestrian-detection is nothing new -- automakers like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz have been developing such safety systems for years. So what makes General Motors' new pedestrian technology interesting? For starters, it works via your smartphone. GM's pedestrian-detection system is based on Wi-Fi...Read More»

The Volvo V40 that just debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show won't be coming to America, but one of its technology components might make the trip. The snazzy five-door hatch will arrive in Europe with a special airbag just for pedestrians. Perhaps more than any other automaker, Volvo has worked to...Read More»

Building better-marked crosswalks and intersections, improving sidewalks, and adding traffic-light countdown timers and clear pedestrian right-of-ways all make a significant difference in safety on foot. But these solutions come with their own significant price tags and are subject to the agreement...Read More»

If you've ever had a minor fender-bender because you looked down at the wrong moment, dialed your phone, or took a sip of coffee, pay attention to this: What if it had been a pedestrian, or a bicyclist? The 2011 Volvo S60 comes with a world-first system that could potentially eliminate the...Read More»