Japan Pledges "Active Safety"
JAPAN PLEDGES "ACTIVE SAFETY"
IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE human error in accidents, the Japanese Big Four have unveiled the "Advanced Safety Vehicle" program. Made public last December at "Smart Cruise Demo 2000," ASV boasts a variety of high-tech, safety-related innovations. The downside is that in some cases, riders are under full-time surveillance. Hello, Big Brother...
Miniature digital cameras and microcomputers are at the core of most of these systems, many of which are not ready for production. "We have done lots of testing with our motorcycle airbag, but it costs a lot of money for one crash test and we need 20 to 30 more tests," said Yamaha's Hiroo Saito. "On the other hand, I think the anti-lock braking sys tem is nearing its final stage." , Kawasaki's Makato Ohtsu was also cautious. "Our Adaptive Headlight is a very good idea, but right now it doesn't adapt quickly enough. Moreover, we could have cost problems."
The ongo ing development will allow for additional public education. Japan's Ministry of Transport has proclaimed that riders should be able to under stand ASV technology without confusion. If there are too many warnings, they will not trust ASV. On the other hand, it added, riders should n't totally rely on ASV.
This same time peri od will also be used to address privacy con cerns. Several of the new systems rely upon information transmitted by various sensors imbedded in streets. As a result, Japan's next generation of motorcycles will be more costly, more intelligent and more easily watched.
-Laurent Benchana
