Vehicular Sensor Networks: General Aspects and Implementation Issues - Application and Multidisciplinary Aspects of Wireless Sensor Networks - page 225

emergency maneuvers and, thus, extend the safety margin. Relevant examples of
this type of applications are further discussed.
Pre-crash sensing / warning . Pre-crash sensing system application uses a millimeter-
wave radar that can determine object's position, distance, and speed in order to mini-
mize injury and damage in the event of a collision. The sensed information goes into
a pre-crash safety computer that takes into account relative velocities, distance, and
other factors to determine whether or not a collision can be avoided. If not, it notifies
the seatbelt control computer, which tightens up any slack in the seatbelts to maximize
the initial restraint on the driver and passengers at the moment of the crash [ 38 ].
Traffic Display Monitoring ( TDM ) [ 39 ]. TDM's Digital Display Radar Trailers
are designed specifically to promote driving safety on virtually any public or private
roadway. Use of TDM's Digital Display Radar Trailers produces numerous notable
benefits such as fewer fatalities, fewer injuries, less property damage, fewer vehi-
cle-related lawsuits, possibly lower insurance premiums, etc. They are easily towed
to sites experiencing speed-related problems or where accident reduction is a major
priority. Setup is uncomplicated and a unit can be operational in a matter of min-
utes. Speed is shown on a highly visible, amber-colored LED display (Fig. 10.10 ).
Safe lane change maneuvers . This application allows vehicles in the blind spots
and vehicles that are intending to change lanes to be detected in advance. The infor-
mation is then disseminated to all drivers of relevant vehicles.
Road departure prevention . The road departure prevention application allows for
vehicles to receive information on recommended speed from road side infrastructure.
The recommended speed is calculated according to road geometry, surface status, and
traffic conditions. In addition, vehicles equipped with sensors measuring road friction
can also communicate to other vehicles the presence of slippery roads.
Fig. 10.10 TDM's top-of-the line [ 39 ]