Honda has developed what it describes as "the world’s first intelligent night vision system which could dramatically cut night time pedestrian casualties". The system is already available in the Honda Legend in japan -- but Honda has not said iwhether it will be available in Britain.
The new system uses "far infrared" cameras to detect pedestrians in or approaching the vehicle’s path and provides the driver with visual and audio cautions to help prevent accidents involving pedestrians. The system uses images obtained from two far infrared cameras positioned in the lower section of the front bumper to detect the position and movement of infrared heat-emitting objects and determine whether they are in or approaching the vehicle’s path.
Based on size and shape, the system also determines if the detected object is a pedestrian. In addition to the conventional night vision function of giving the driver an enhanced view of the road ahead, the system warns the driver of the presence of pedestrians on the road or who are about to cross the vehicle’s path.
UK government statistics show there are twice the number of pedestrian fatalities during the three winter darkness months than during the equivalent summer period, making up over one fifth of all traffic accident fatalities.
To address this issue Honda said that's why it developed the Intelligent Night Vision System. Yet, bizarrely, Honda reckoned it could not confirm when or even if the technology would be available in Britain, though it said "pedestrian safety technologies pioneered in the HR-V and Civic now feature on all new Hondas for Europe." Thanks guys.