Mercedes Unveils Radical New Safety Tech

Mercedes-Benz yesterday detailed plans for "intelligent driver assistance systems" -- new safety technologies that include "video-based assistance functions" that make "predictive interpretations of critical driving situations and then issue timely warnings to drivers — or even INTERVENE AUTONOMOUSLY if there is imminent danger." One possible intervention is an "automatic emergency braking maneuver if a collision becomes unavoidable." The systems also include stereo cameras connected to computers that can recognize the difference between cars, bicyclists and pedestrians, and use that information to instantly calculate the damage of impact. And yet another system has Big Brother functionality, including a KITT-like voice that nags the driver about obeying speed limits and points out road signs.