SINGAPORE - A device that can warn drivers of impending collisions was launched on Monday morning, under a move to reduce road accidents here.
Consisting of a camera and screen mounted on the car dashboard, it can also help alert drivers to speed limits on the roads and warn them if they are drifting out of the lane.
Called the Mobileye Telemetrics Advanced Driver Assistance System, it is an initiative of the Singapore Transport Association (STA) and Spring Singapore, which is supporting companies' adoption of the technology through its Capability Development Grant.
STA chairman Dave Ng said the technology can help improve road safety, especially at a time where the number of accidents involving heavy vehicles are on the rise.
He said: "In recent years, there has been a spate of unfortunate accidents involving heavy vehicles in which lives were lost. Due to the larger size of such vehicles and their propensity to cause greater harm in an accident, such accidents are a great cause for concern.
"Through this initiative, we expect the frequency of such accidents involving heavy vehicles to be reduced, providing a safer environment for all road users as well as improving productivity of our members."
The device works by constantly analysing and monitoring road conditions ahead through computer and machine vision technology. For instance, Mobileye can "interpret" a scene, captured in real time by a video camera, and provide drivers with an immediate evaluation based on its analysis.
When a potentially dangerous scenario occurs, such as if a pedestrian suddenly appears on the road, an alarm will sound and a flashing red man will appear on the indicator screen.
Senior Minister of State for Home and Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli, who was guest of honour at the event, said: "Mobileye is an excellent ground-up initiative by STA supported by Spring Singapore, where the industry has taken the lead and approached the Government to collaborate on a project to improve road safety for our vocational drivers.
"It is a good example of how we are creatively leveraging on technology to influence driver behavior and foster better driving practices," said Mr Masagos in a speech.
