Computer Says 'No'
Nissan creates intuitive accelerator pedal to keep drivers safe. But will it?
Is an intuitive throttle really a good idea?
The automaton pedal (in conjunction with a frontal radar system and the onboard computer) can detect when the car is getting too close to an object in front and will alert the driver. Should the driver agree with the car’s decision and lift his/her foot off the go-button, the car will then take over and apply the brakes to bring the car to a complete halt.
If the driver continues to press down on the pedal, though, the car (and occupants) will keep going. Possibly into a tree.
The system will be available in Japan this year and will move over to the states in 2008. There is no information as to whether it will be making its way over here.
This raises some questions: How close is too close? Does having a car that will immediately brake to a stop actually cause more of a risk to other road users? Could this system take the fun out of driving? Well, we’re waiting…
Source: Autoblog
Of all the stupid idea's 
Am I missing something here?
Rather than braking to a halt i imagine that it brakes the car until the car is no longer getting closer to the object in front (i.e. will match speed with the car in front, not stop dead in the outside lane). This system would help reduce reaction times by a significant amount.
The problem it could cause is increase driver complacency and reliance on the system (i.e. tailgating etc), which will in turn cause greater risk.
Looking forward to watching a 20 Nissan car Pileup on the M25 because a chav cut the guy in front up
There is a reason for it and its got bugger all to do with current safety issues.
Its to do with self driving cars, yes that grand 50's American idea. Just because we don't see it doesn't mean it hasn't gone away. Electric brakes are just starting to appear, Disconnected Electric Steering is not far away (no steering column).
Its all being put in place, system by system to the eventual auto-driving system.
Surely not? Just expand your mind - that is just the same as..erm.. a car?! The Pre-safe brake system for the Mercedes CL uses radar sensors to detect distance from the vehicle in front and gives a warning if it deems that you are too close. If the warning is ignored and the car still thinks you are going to have an accident it will partially brake without any driver input.
If you don't buy these things then they'll stop making them.
Anyway, its inevitable this will happen. Already drive by wire throttle applies its own throttle in cars I have driven recently, quite odd really if your steady on the clutch you can go through the gears without applying accelerator and the engine just applies power to maintain a steady idle.. Probably quite good if your not capable of hill starts...
Anyway, for people to accept these systems, they have to be introduced in stages. I guarantee we will see many other half implemented systems (well we already are).
Back onto this topic, I very much doubt it will bring you to a complete stop either, once the gap is large enough, the hazard has gone.
I think perhaps for slow speeds in traffic its a good idea. All cars should have this to FORCE you to stop if the car in front is stopped. It would stop idiots driving into the back of stationary cars during those moments were people just seem to be blind to what's in front of them.
s sake, giving numpty more driving aids, great idea. Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff