Innovative breakthrough

In state-of-the-art accident avoidance systems, such as the electronic stability program (ESP) or restraint devices, the system responds only after the vehicle has entered a hazardous situation. This is referred to as reactive safety. The present approach is in sharp contrast to reactive safety: Hazardous situations are anticipated and the time lead gained by this forecast used to keep the vehicle inside a safe motion envelope. This is referred to as preventive safety, since hazardous situations are avoided at a very early stage. The expected evolution from reactive safety to preventive safety created by the SPARC vehicles will constitute a breakthrough in road safety technology.