Open your eyes and save a life

By Steve Orme on Oct 26, 08 11:12 AM

Honda's motorcycle-to-car communication system is being demonstrated for the first time in Europe at the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium event taking place at the Opel Test Track in Dudenhofen, Germany, from 22-23 October.
The system generates warnings to riders and drivers of other vehicles by continuous exchange of positioning data from satellite GPS sources.

This is particularly relevant as road users approach intersections, alerting them to other vehicles that are potentially on a collision course, allowing avoidance manoeuvres.
The demonstration will exhibit the interoperability of the Honda life-saving system which facilitates communication with vehicles from eight other manufacturers.
European research data shows that the majority of accidents involving a motorcycle are caused by perception failures and this system will reduce these failures.
What next? Drivers to be fitted with a pair of eyes?
This is a great idea. But sad. Sad that we have become such an indifferent set of drivers, aggressive with little pride in our skills that it is going to take a satellite that sends lorries up the wrong roads to save lives.
Today is Sunday. Drive with care and pride. And open eyes and ears.