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What Are Forward Collision Warning Systems?

At Dick Smith Body Shop, we love sharing blogs about car technology, because we know that it is changing all the time, here in Columbia, SC and all over the world.

If there is a vehicle in front of you traveling at a slower speed or stopped altogether, the forward collision warning system will warn you of an impending collision. You might hear a sound, vibration, visual or a brake pulse.

With some systems, your seatbelts might even tighten and your brakes will precharge to help the car stop as soon as possible.

Earlier versions of this technology won’t brake for you, but at least you’ll know if there is a hazard ahead to ensure you are prepared to get out of the way quickly.

Some newer vehicles with forward collision warning technology may also include an Automatic Braking System. This means the vehicle will automatically apply the brakes for you to help avoid a collision or least lessen the severity. If you don’t know if your vehicle has these features, reference your owner’s manual, or talk to your dealership or body shop. 

Depending on the automobile manufacturer, forward collision warning systems are often referred to by different names such as pre-crash system, forward crash warning, collision mitigating or avoidance system, forward collision avoidance system, rear-end crash avoidance system, or automotive collision avoidance system.

According to the National Safety Council, there are more than six million car accidents annually and over 2.5 million of these are rear-end collisions. Technology like Forward Collision Warning Systems and Automatic Braking Systems have been developed to help minimize the fatalities and injuries that are the result of these accidents.Tips for using Forward Collision Warning Systems:

Check your owner’s manual or ask your dealership or body shop to find out where the sensors are located.

Since the sensors can get blocked by snow or ice, make sure to remove any build up before starting the vehicle.

Don’t rely solely on forward collision warning systems. At certain times of the day, such as sunrise and sunset, the features are vulnerable. You might also find the sensors often don’t work in certain conditions such as rain, fog, snow or inside of a tunnel.

According to mycardoeswhat.org, not all features can detect motorcycles, bikes, pedestrians, some farm machinery and vehicles smaller than a car.

Regardless of the type of warning system you have, it’s still important to always follow at a safe distance and pay attention to the road ahead when you drive.

Sources: Wikipedia, CNN and NBC