Fun test of Prius 5 with "paper wall"

I peeked in my owner's manual; it doesn't show any connection between the airbags and the radar. There are 7 impact sensors; 2 on each side, 2 in the front, and one in the control unit under the dash. They appear to all be accelerometers, like I've always heard told. (One of my college professors remarked that the reason why we now have inexpensive accelerometers in the Wiimote or iPhone is because they were brought to mass market through use as sensors for airbags.) The manual notes that the airbags will deploy in the event of deceleration equivalent to a 12-18 mph crash with a solid wall, or at a significantly greater speed if the crash is with a movable or deformable object such as another car.

I'd think you're reasonably safe to try the experiment, though you'll have to weigh the evidence yourself and reconcile your apprehension against your curiosity. I'd advise against kissing the steering wheel while you try this though, just in case...

 

Good suggestion, might also be wise to remove eye glasses if one uses them.

 

Well, for example, if you look at the Youtube video of the HS or new Sienna, the video does NOT talk about automatic braking...and neither is it mentioned on the website. On the other hand, the video of the Prius mentions specifically about the auto braking feature of PCS.

 

Empty cardboard boxes, wrapped in aluminum foil, taped shut, as if they were Christmas presents.

(Filled with ping pong balls or color super balls would just add flare to the test)

SUBSCRIBED !

 

Done!

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/80352-i-test-prius-v-pcs-system-video.html

 

When you do your test, be sure to have a trusted spotter next to the paper wall in a safe position that allows them to ensure that your blind side remains clear. I'm anxious to learn the results of your test, but I don't want to see you on CNN.

 

That is freakin' *awesome*.
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"oh noez, you're dragging a box..."
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_H*