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When it comes to driving, it's only a matter of a split second between successful application of brakes, and a disaster due to a delay. The importance of a car's braking system can't be overestimated. As advancements to developing automobile 
safety technologies race on, researchers at Continental. The automotive parts supplier might just have struck gold by developing a foot pedal that communicates with the driver to keep the occupants safe.
The consequences of car crashes need no introduction and they can range from minor bruises to fatalities, or lifelong debility. However, the startling fact is that so many car accidents still happen well over a 100 years past the Automobile's invention. For instance, the US alone witnessed about 6,420,000 auto accidents in 2005, costing over US$ 230 Billion, about 3 million injuries and killing 42,000 people.
However, if the drivers had access to a system that could actually prompt them to release the accelerator and be prepared to brake, a lot of accidents could have been averted. Apparently, this might not be wishful thinking anymore as a new pedal called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP) actually does make it happen.
The pedal, whenever it senses danger is programed to sound a warning to the driver by vibrating and generating counter pressure, hence signaling the driver to release the gas pedal and be ready to press the brakes.
Such pedals should come in handy during most dangerous circumstances, but should be especially useful in avoiding rear-end collisions. Most of which happen because the driver in the front, brakes abruptly, while the trailing driver is caught unawares. However, the trailing driver can avoid a collision only if she is alert at that point of time. And if not, because she was distracted, it spells a catastrophe. Hence in such a situation if the accelerator pedal itself prompts the driver to take the foot off the gas pedal and push the brakes, initiating the braking system, the consequence would most probably be desirable.
safety technologies race on, researchers at Continental. The automotive parts supplier might just have struck gold by developing a foot pedal that communicates with the driver to keep the occupants safe.The consequences of car crashes need no introduction and they can range from minor bruises to fatalities, or lifelong debility. However, the startling fact is that so many car accidents still happen well over a 100 years past the Automobile's invention. For instance, the US alone witnessed about 6,420,000 auto accidents in 2005, costing over US$ 230 Billion, about 3 million injuries and killing 42,000 people.
However, if the drivers had access to a system that could actually prompt them to release the accelerator and be prepared to brake, a lot of accidents could have been averted. Apparently, this might not be wishful thinking anymore as a new pedal called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP) actually does make it happen.
The pedal, whenever it senses danger is programed to sound a warning to the driver by vibrating and generating counter pressure, hence signaling the driver to release the gas pedal and be ready to press the brakes.Such pedals should come in handy during most dangerous circumstances, but should be especially useful in avoiding rear-end collisions. Most of which happen because the driver in the front, brakes abruptly, while the trailing driver is caught unawares. However, the trailing driver can avoid a collision only if she is alert at that point of time. And if not, because she was distracted, it spells a catastrophe. Hence in such a situation if the accelerator pedal itself prompts the driver to take the foot off the gas pedal and push the brakes, initiating the braking system, the consequence would most probably be desirable.
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