Report: NHTSA Looking to Standardize Early Warning Crash, Lane Departure Systems

An early warning forward collision system and lane departure radar may be legally required as standard road vehicle equipment by the National Highway Traffic Institute Administration (NHTSA), The Detroit News reports. Much like recently required side-impact airbags and longstanding seatbelt regulations, the two technologies are currently being considered as standard safety equipment by lawmakers and automotive officials alike. Many analysts say the systems have the potential to significantly reduce the 2.3 million frontal collisions and 483,000 lane departure crashes that occur on average every year. The NHTSA already has crash tests aimed at analyzing the pair of technologies in a controlled environment. For the uninitiated, early warning forward collision systems use radar to detect and alert drivers of upcoming vehicles or objects in front of a vehicle's path. Upon detection of an imminent collision, many systems -- like Mercedes-Benz's Pre-Safe -- also apply the brakes and tighten seatbelts for added safety. Lane departure systems also use radar to alert drivers when veering out of a designated lane. Many units are set up to gently steer a vehicle back on course. One main concern of both NHTSA and automotive executives is the cost the systems would add to a vehicle's MSRP. Both systems are currently offered in many luxury vehicles. Whether or not the cost-to-benefit ratio ultimately works out has yet to be determined. But a full report and conclusion as to their approval as standard safety features are expected in 2011. Do you think an early warning frontal collision and lane departure systems should be standard equipment? Source: The Detroit News