Nissan's Intelligent Transportation System adds pedestrian avoidance

Although Nissan's anti-drunk driving technology should keep the worst of the unaware from actually cruising down the freeway, certain distractions that we just wouldn't do without could indeed lead to a pedestrian-related crash. Thankfully for us, Nissan is on the lookout, as its Intelligent Transportation System is now getting an additional feature before it's even released. Aside from helping you avoid congestion and emit less fumes, the ITS will now be able to communicate with handsets via 3G networks and GPS in order to alert drivers of upcoming individuals. Of course, we have to assume that only humans within a reasonable line of danger will appear on screen, but Nissan claims that this technology will decrease the amount of car vs. pedestrian mishaps and "reduce road accidents particularly in a blind-spot situation." The automaker is currently collaborating with NTT DoCoMo and researching "what types of pedestrian data are most relevant to help prevent accidents," but unfortunately, the launch date for all of this in-car madness is still a good ways out.

[NHAnimator @ Apr 19th 2007 8:10AM]

Horrendous, horrendous idea. I don't need to be driving in a city and have my car sounding off all of these warnings because there are a hundred people within the block using a cell phone. I already have enough distractions avoiding people DWPPO (driving while putting pants on).

All of these blind spot sensors and back up cameras seem like a good idea on the surface. But whatever happened to taking responsibility and taking time to make sure that your path is clear. Relying on computers for this kind of thing is still in its infancy and will undoubtedly lead to lawsuits. Drivers will blame Volvo because they (the drivers) chose to take their eyes off the road and their car didn't alert them soon enough to avoid a collision.

[fred @ Apr 19th 2007 8:43AM]

How would this system differentiate between pedestrians, and cars? I've got a better idea. Instead of adding more gadgets (much as I love them) how about inventing a system that slaps the driver in the head, and tells him to slow down, and pay attention to the road?

[Ken @ Apr 19th 2007 8:46AM]

I'm glad people never use cellphones in cars. I'd hate for my Nissan Sentra to get confused and warn me over every car in front of me, behind me, and stuck in traffic with me... in addition to all the cellphone users on the sidewalks, neighboring offices, and residences.

After all, people use their cellphones cautiously, sensibly, and only when they have something of import to communicate.

[Britt @ Apr 19th 2007 9:32AM]

Most of the time, I'm dodging homeless people in the city, and none of those dudes have cell phones. This isn't going to help me much...

Unless, Nissan's plan is to protect those that are more well to do, and clear the streets of the unwashed masses that are sans-cellphone. In which case, I say Nissan qualifies for the "Diabolical Plan of the Year" award.

[Zenshai @ Apr 19th 2007 10:38AM]

Dont worry, it'll detect homeless people by smell.

[Gopi @ Apr 19th 2007 12:45PM]

Any such system might just put up a single warning regardless of how many peds (or drivers in cars) will be crossing ahead of you while using their cell phones. Plus its probably more of a marketing ploy than anything else at this point. It will most likely be available only as an option initially (and chances are it will come turned off by default) while Nissan gauges consumer reaction to the technology.

[Greg @ Apr 20th 2007 9:12AM]

Methinks this technology would require some heavy security to prevent misuse. What's to stop me tapping into this feature with some hacked car (what a cool idea) and using it to, say, stalk someone? I don't really like the idea that people could find out where my phone is at any given time; not that anyone would really want to. I'm sure theres probably a way to do that right now but I'm imaginging that any new infrastructure relating to this feature will make it a lot easier.

That being said, the old "why can't people just pay more attention to the road" argument falls flat when you realise that as much as we'd like that to be the case, there's a reason modern cars have airbags and three-point safety harnesses. Perhaps features like this - I'm a bit dubious about this one specifically - will be the modern equivalent of the seatbelt?