A vehicle proximity warning apparatus includes a speed and distance sensor; and a processor, where the proximity and speed of a first vehicle 15 travelling behind a second vehicle 16 are sensed and a tailgating event identified whereby the proximity of the two vehicles is unsafe given the speed at which at least first vehicle 15 is travelling. A warning display means 10 is provided and is actuated when a tailgating event is identified by providing a warning signal below the threshold of consciousness of the driver of first vehicle 15, which may be a blue light shown for 30 milliseconds or less. The apparatus may be provided on second vehicle 16 or at the side of a road. An image recording unit for recording tailgating events may also be provided. The frequency or duration of the warnings, or the wavelength of the light, may depend on the distance between the vehicles or the speed of first vehicle 15.
Improved road proximity warning systems
2017-09-27
Patent
Electronic Resource
English