Almost Lost My Ass-End

I'm pretty much old school and am generally very slow to accept new automotive technology, however I don't understand why so many seem to be against Pre-Collision systems.

The system saved the ass-end (or perhaps even worst) of my '18 Tacoma TRD Sport a couple weeks ago while driving on I-81 in SW Va. My alarm went off, causing me to immediately look into my mirror seeing a seemingly un-maned Chevy pickup veering from their lane to the left of me into my lane/Tacoma. I hit my horn and jammed the accelerator to the floor allowing me to pull ahead and barely avoiding an accident.

Apparently, the guy's cell phone or something must have slide off the seat onto the passenger side floor and he reached to the floor to pick it up. This resulted in my not seeing a driver behind the wheel, but only one hand on the steering wheel.

Again, can't understand how anyone can see this technology as anything but a huge safety advancement.

 

I think people don't like it because it can cause a false positive sometimes and it's another point of possible failure down the road. I think the key is not to rely on it fully but use it as another tool. I have it but I am totally indifferent to it

 

I like the tech, but it makes me nervous because people will inevitably start to lean on it to allow them to be less attentive.


"Oh, I've got <latest safety tech>, now I can shave on the way to work!"

 

I totally agree with you both, it's ONLY a tool and in no way meant to take the place of attentive and safe driving, however VERY nice to have the alert when someone comes out of nowhere.

 

How did the pre-collision sensor detect something behind you?

 

I don't have these safety features on my truck but the ones I do have I think are great. The one I really like is the heated mirrors. They improve my visibility on cold, rainy, or snowy days. I also like the back up camera. Being able to see directly behind the truck is great. It doesn't mean I don't look at my mirrors, which I can because they are heated. The BSM feature is on but I never pay attention too except when backing up and it starts beeping. I still shoulder check for blind spots.

 

I believe drivers always need to stay alert and not completely depend on automated systems. That being said I am also a strong believer in technology that helps us stay safe, with the emphasis on helping us not completely taking over. OP glad your safe.

 

Read my opening post!
He wasn't directly behind me, but in the lane to the left of me but veering into my lane about to hit my driver's side rear corner.

 

I did read it, and still fail to see how that could set off your pre-collision system. As far as I'm aware, that only works for objects in front of you.

Perhaps you mean the blind spot monitor alerted you?

 

Buddy, I don't know which it was. All I know is that an alarm went off that alerted me I had to act in a hurry and I'm very thankful for that. I-81 was busy with vehicles going 70-80 mph and if he had hit me in that corner it may have sent me into a spin and no telling what would have happened.

This technology is a great thing. No telling how many lives it will save every year.

 

I think the problem with these systems is that they work too good and people rely on them too heavily.

I think the OP meant BSM, "blind spot monitor".

 

I mean we have static’s for these from police reports and insurance data. The reduce number of accidents by something like 40% and number of accidents with serious injuries by 60%, when same models with or without these systems are compared.

https://www.consumerreports.org/aut...king-reduces-car-crashes-injuries-iihs-study/

 

Lol, good question. I was wondering the same. Sounds like he got super lucky in that BSM thought he was merging into someone else when in fact the opposite was happening. Entirely not the intent of the system but it worked for OP so that's cool.

 

Maybe its the tailgaters that keep getting "false" alarms. Why are people always drafting?

 

Imagine looking at your or someone’s else’s BSM and thinking every time it’s lit up that you’re about to be in a serious collision.

 

Glad you and your truck are okay

 

Cause hoes drive 10 under in the hammer lane. GTFO out of the fast lane!

 

I don't like the final answer to all the tech. We're the weak link. I know that sounds like trolling but ultimately, it's true.

 

The real scary scenario is someone whose driven a vehicle with the full accident avoidance suite for years, including adaptive cruse control / automatic braking, and having them drive a vehicle without (rental, friend's car etc).

 

I’ve gotta say, this made me laugh. Well done.

Glad you and your truck are ok OP