A new gizmo developed by Land Rover that allows drivers of its vehicles’ to see through the bonnet to the ground directly beneath and in front of the bumper could help make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
A driver’s view – the head-up display shows the ground and front wheels beneath the car
Cameras film an area of ground beneath and directly in front of the car that it is impossible for the driver to see. The images are projected onto a head-up display on the inside of the windscreen – effectively allowing the driver to see through the bonnet.
The technology has been fitted to a Land Rover with a view to improving off-road performance, but it may have benefits for road safety. Heavier vehicles such as SUVs and lorries represent a threat to pedestrian and cyclists. HGVs have been known to run over cyclists waiting directly in front of them at lights because there is blind spot directly ahead of the vehicle.
Alex
Brilliant!
nicka
Note the word “virtual” in front of the word “prototype” ie they haven’t built one and filmed it, just mocked one up on a computer.
The solution for the big bonnets on 4x4s is to get rid of the big bonnets; better still, get rid of 4x4s.
John Edwards
Roll on the day when by law the driver must be able to see anything in front, however close !