'Anti-Crash' Technology

BMW has today taken the wraps off a new motorcycle and car communication system that aims to prevent cars pulling across the path of oncoming bikes.The system is called 'Turn Left Assistant' and uses a camera and laser scanner mounted on the front of a car to ‘see’ an oncoming bike and prevent a car travelling under 6mph from crossing in front of the bike.

"The vehicle positioning function of the navigation system allows the location of the car to be fixed to within a metre at intersections. A camera registers the turn-off lane markings and lane borders on the road. With the left turn assistant activated, three laser scanners in the front end of the car map the area up to 100 metres in front of the car."

“On the basis of the data exchanged between the car and motorcycle an algorithm then calculates their trajectories and identifies whether a collision is likely. In critical situations the motorcycle increases its conspicuity to warn the car driver. The level of collision risk is assessed and various measures taken accordingly; the motorcycle’s headlight is adjusted gradually, its strength increased and the flashlights and LEDs positioned on the sides of the bike and on its mirrors are activated to create a broader silhouette."