2012 GMC Terrain Debuts Camera-Based Collision Alert

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

While radar-based collision detection systems aren’t new, General Motors is the first automaker to debut a simpler, more economical camera-based system. The camera will also provide drivers with a lane departure warning system, and it’s now an affordable option on the 2012 GMC Terrain crossover.

The collision alert system, which operates at speeds above 25 miles per hour, uses a windshield-mounted high resolution digital camera to capture some 14 frames per second.  Each frame is analyzed by an image processing algorithm to determine the change in position of objects in view.

If the system detects a car in front, it signals the driver with a green icon; follow too closely, and that green icon changes to a solid red warning bar. Close on a vehicle in front too quickly, and that red bar will flash, an audible alert will sound and the Terrain will pre-charge its braking system to reduce stopping distances.

That’s simplifying it a bit, since the system also takes into consideration speed, directional change, accelerator position and brake pedal position before calculating whether or not a warning is required. For rush hour commuting, warning range can be adjusted to accommodate traffic flow, or the system can be disabled entirely by the driver.

The camera also senses the Terrain’s position within painted lane markers, at speeds above 35 miles per hour. Deviate from your lane without using a turn signal, and the lane departure warning icon changes from green to flashing amber, accompanied by a series of beeps.

The camera and associated processing software is smart enough to function day or night, but can be affected by snow or mud obscuring the lens. Unlike radar-based systems, which can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a vehicle, GM’s camera-based system is a $295 option on the 2012 GMC Terrain.

View the original article here

2012 GMC Terrain Debuts Camera-Based Collision Alert

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

While radar-based collision detection systems aren’t new, General Motors is the first automaker to debut a simpler, more economical camera-based system. The camera will also provide drivers with a lane departure warning system, and it’s now an affordable option on the 2012 GMC Terrain crossover.

The collision alert system, which operates at speeds above 25 miles per hour, uses a windshield-mounted high resolution digital camera to capture some 14 frames per second.  Each frame is analyzed by an image processing algorithm to determine the change in position of objects in view.

If the system detects a car in front, it signals the driver with a green icon; follow too closely, and that green icon changes to a solid red warning bar. Close on a vehicle in front too quickly, and that red bar will flash, an audible alert will sound and the Terrain will pre-charge its braking system to reduce stopping distances.

That’s simplifying it a bit, since the system also takes into consideration speed, directional change, accelerator position and brake pedal position before calculating whether or not a warning is required. For rush hour commuting, warning range can be adjusted to accommodate traffic flow, or the system can be disabled entirely by the driver.

The camera also senses the Terrain’s position within painted lane markers, at speeds above 35 miles per hour. Deviate from your lane without using a turn signal, and the lane departure warning icon changes from green to flashing amber, accompanied by a series of beeps.

The camera and associated processing software is smart enough to function day or night, but can be affected by snow or mud obscuring the lens. Unlike radar-based systems, which can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a vehicle, GM’s camera-based system is a $295 option on the 2012 GMC Terrain.

View the original article here

2012 GMC Terrain Debuts Camera-Based Collision Alert

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

While radar-based collision detection systems aren’t new, General Motors is the first automaker to debut a simpler, more economical camera-based system. The camera will also provide drivers with a lane departure warning system, and it’s now an affordable option on the 2012 GMC Terrain crossover.

The collision alert system, which operates at speeds above 25 miles per hour, uses a windshield-mounted high resolution digital camera to capture some 14 frames per second.  Each frame is analyzed by an image processing algorithm to determine the change in position of objects in view.

If the system detects a car in front, it signals the driver with a green icon; follow too closely, and that green icon changes to a solid red warning bar. Close on a vehicle in front too quickly, and that red bar will flash, an audible alert will sound and the Terrain will pre-charge its braking system to reduce stopping distances.

That’s simplifying it a bit, since the system also takes into consideration speed, directional change, accelerator position and brake pedal position before calculating whether or not a warning is required. For rush hour commuting, warning range can be adjusted to accommodate traffic flow, or the system can be disabled entirely by the driver.

The camera also senses the Terrain’s position within painted lane markers, at speeds above 35 miles per hour. Deviate from your lane without using a turn signal, and the lane departure warning icon changes from green to flashing amber, accompanied by a series of beeps.

The camera and associated processing software is smart enough to function day or night, but can be affected by snow or mud obscuring the lens. Unlike radar-based systems, which can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a vehicle, GM’s camera-based system is a $295 option on the 2012 GMC Terrain.

View the original article here

Vehicle Collision Protocol – 101

Vehicle collision protocol – 101 where you can find out what to do if you have a car accident. What should you do when you have a collision? Find out what to do after you have been in a car accident. The more information you have the less stress you will feel when you have to deal with an auto collision.

(NC)—Whether you're driving to work, running errands or heading up to the cottage, chances are that you will unfortunately be in at least one minor collision at some point in your life. Avoid becoming a nervous wreck by knowing what to do when a collision occurs.

After you've been in an accident, experts agree that you should remember to:

• Move Your Vehicle Off The Road

If the collision is minor, move your car into the nearest parking lot or driveway.

• Call 911

Have your driver's license and proof of insurance ready when you make the call. Once the authorities have been notified, write down the other driver's name, insurance details and policy number, as well as all information related to their car.

• Do Not Discuss Accident Details

Avoid conversations or disputes surrounding the accident by not recounting the details with the other drivers and passengers, and never admit fault.

• Keep Your Claim Number

The officer onsite will assess the accident and determine who is at fault. They will then write a report and give you what is called an accident claim number. It is very important to keep this information handy and in a safe place for future reference.

• Call Your Insurance Company

If the accident is your fault, call your insurance company as soon as possible. If it's not, use the other driver's policy information to avoid paying a deductible.

• Report To A Collision Centre

By law, drivers involved in a collision must report into a collision reporting centre (CRC) within 24 hours.

“Even the most minor collision can be quite stressful but the process involved in getting back on the road is quite simple,” says Mauro Convertini, insurance and claims expert for Aviva Canada. “Once you've visited your local CRC, your insurance company will actually handle the damage appraisal, give you a repair estimate and arrange for a rental car.”

More information is available from your insurance broker or at avivacanada.com.

View the original article here