Wednesday rant: Collision detection systems

You’d think that any system fitted to a car that helps you detect an imminent collision is a good thing. Well, yes and no.

A feature called Collision Detection System which is commonly found on cars such as the Volvo V40 does just this. The system uses sensors to monitor your car’s speed, the speed of the vehicle in front and the distance between the vehicles. It’s is then able to calculate if the vehicles get too close and whether there’s a high chance of a collision. If there is then it warns you by emitting a big flashing warning light on your instrument panel or even your windscreen. In some cases it will even proceed to slow your car down for you.

So what’s my problem with this? My problem with this is that it can sometimes be a little too over-sensitive. For example, let’s say you’re just tootling around an English village and there’s a layby where other vehicles are parked. There are times when your car will suddenly believe that you’re literally barrelling towards an accident! Therefore, you get this crescendo of lights and noises while automatically braking the car for you. Honestly, if you have one of these things fitted in your car then it can be one of the most annoying things to happen to you while out in your car!

Would I get rid of the system if I could? Absolutely not. It’s a system designed to saves lives and for that reason alone it’s more than worth putting up with.