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Euro NCAP to Begin Testing Autonomous Pedestrian Detection Systems

Starting with 2010 or so, Euro NCAP has continuously modified its testing procedures. To the annoyance of some but for the well-being of just about everyone, European new vehicle crash tests have become downright draconian, but Euro NCAP won't stop here.
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Photo: Euro NCAP
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Keeping up with changing times, the safety organization will introduce yet another test beginning with 2016. Called “Autonomous Pedestrian Detection Test,” its name is pretty much self-explanatory, and its introduction comes as no surprise after many new cars have begun to offer various forms of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems.

“These new tests are the first in the world to assess highly automated vehicle features and driver assistance systems from the pedestrian’s perspective. Many new cars now offer some form of AEB system that can help prevent car-to-car collisions, but only some are also able to detect pedestrians. By checking the results on Euro NCAP’s website, consumers will be able to verify manufacturers’ safety claims and choose the right AEB option,” said Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General.

The safety organization will, therefore, test AEB systems using three pedestrian simulations that are most common in urban driving: adults either walking or running right into a vehicle's path or a child emerging from behind a visibility obstruction, such as another parked vehicle.

Cars fitted with pedestrian-sensing AEB systems should prevent collisions with special “pedestrian dummies” at speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph). At speeds between 40 and 60 km/h (25-37 mph), the eventual collision speed should stay below 40 km/h (25 mph) to improve the chances of survival. Those vehicles that manage to score well in these tests will thus have a better chance at achieving full five stars.

Pedestrian-sensing AEB systems are already offered on some of the cars that Euro NCAP has tested in 2015, but they will probably have to be retested in 2016, to see how they follow the new prerogatives.

Apparently, real world crash data from the UK and Germany shows that the introduction of autonomous braking systems on cars can prevent about one in five fatal pedestrian collisions, so the more effective AEB systems are, more lives can be saved.
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About the author: Alex Oagana
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Alex handled his first real steering wheel at the age of five (on a field) and started practicing "Scandinavian Flicks" at 14 (on non-public gravel roads). Following his time at the University of Journalism, he landed his first real job at the local franchise of Top Gear magazine a few years before Mircea (Panait). Not long after, Alex entered the New Media realm with the autoevolution.com project.
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