Precrash system

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Please improve this article if you can. (May 2007)

A precrash system is an automobile safety system designed to reduce the damage caused by a collision. Most use radar sensors to detect a credible crash; though, different systems react in different ways.

[edit] Function

The Precrash system is offered commercially since 2002.

The Acura system provides brake support and tightens the seat belts and adds a warning in the Instrument Cluster.

The Infiniti system, which is the only laser-based system in the US market, provides a small brake pre-charge.

The Lexus system provides audiovisual warnings, steering and brake support, and tightens the seat belts. Some radar-based versions of the Lexus system also offer rear sensing and can adjust the head restraints to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. Lexus essentially duplicated Mercedes' system and had it out on the market about 6 months after "Pre Safe".

The Mercedes-Benz "Pre-Safe" system provides brake support, tightens the seat belts, adjusts seat positions including rear seats (if installed) and can also close any open windows and the sunroof if necessary. Mercedes-Benz is credited with being the forward developer of the pre-crash system.

Nissan Motors is reportedly developing a new "magic bumper" system which raises the accelerator pedal if it senses an impending collision. Once the driver lifts off the pedal, the system then automatically applies the brakes.^{[citation needed]}

The Volvo system provides brake support and activates a heads-up display that visually resembles brake lamps.

[edit] Cars

Precrash systems are currently available on the following vehicles:

Acura RL ("Collision Mitigation Braking System")
Infiniti QX56
Lexus LS, Lexus IS, Lexus ES and Lexus GS ('Pre-Collision'/'Pre-Crash' - 2007 model includes rear monitoring)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz E-Class ('Pre-Safe with Brake Support')
Volvo S80 ("Collision Warning and Brake Support")