IIHS: 9 Out of 11 Small SUVs Effective in Pedestrian-Detection System Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that 9 out of 11 small SUVs fared well in pedestrian-detection tests.

The trials used 2018-2019 SUV models, and simulated three common pedestrian crash situations: a person entering the right side of the street, a child suddenly appearing from behind two parked cars and running into the street, and an adult walking on the road's edge, with his back is turned away from traffic.

The results were mostly positive, with nine out of the eleven models performing well. Four SUVs were given the highest rating of 'Superior,' namely the 2018-19 Honda CR-V, 2019 Subaru Forester, 2019 Toyota RAV4 and 2019 Volvo XC40, followed by five SUVs that earned an 'Advanced' rating: the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, 2018-19 Hyundai Kona, 2019 Kia Sportage, 2018-2019 Mazda CX-5 and 2019 Nissan Rogue. Meanwhile, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander received a 'Basic' rating, while the BMW X1 was discredited due to brake failure in one instance, "minimal to no speed reductions" in other instances.

Pedestrian-Detection System

Pedestrian-detection systems might not be that common in many of our local vehicles today, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. This safety technology, which alerts the driver in case it detects a pedestrian in the path, uses stereoscopic camera sensors and radar to detect human movements ahead to alert the driver. It's a useful feature, especially in the Philippines where unruly pedestrians seem to appear everywhere--with or without pedestrian lanes at all.

Pedestrian Detection systems have weaknesses, though. For instance, they're more effective at lower speeds. Night-time driving can also be challenging, although researchers are coming up with infrared technology to improve its performance.