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Stopping distance for collision avoidance System to activate

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Irwin, Oct 21, 2016.

  1. Irwin

    Irwin New Member

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    Cannot get anyone at dealer or Toyota to tell me how close I would be to obstacles (cars) for system to activate when not in cruise control
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Try setting up some cardboard boxes and driving into them?
     
  3. Irwin

    Irwin New Member

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    I appreciate your replies, but the video that I found for vehicles still doesn't tell me how far I will be from a collision when the brake assist slows the car or actually stops the car. Toyota lists a long list of reasons why the system may not work and one of the reasons is the material making up the thing I may hit. Cardboard boxes may or may not be a good test.
    I would feel a lot better if I knew that Toyota had an answer to my question and even their videos don't mention it.
    Thanks anyhow.
     
  4. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    if cardboard boxes don't work, tape aluminum foil to the boxes facing the car.
     
  5. DonDNH

    DonDNH Senior Member

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    I don't think there is a single right answer. Many variables are taken into consideration and likely a bit of calculus to determine for a given instance when to initiate a panic stop. Then there are always the situations where the impediment to travel enters the danger zone to late to stop from the vehicle's current speed; and then yes, there's going to be a collision. Hopefully not quite as bad as it might have been without the collision avoidance system.
     
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  6. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    If it's RADAR, I'd be surprised if Cardboard Boxes are unlikely to work very well - maybe you'd need someone in the cardboard box.

    Seriously, I'd trust TOYOTA - their testing methods are far more rigorous than anything you or I could do.

    Or look here - from about 2:15:
    Official Toyota Prius 2016 safety rating
     
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  7. Gen 2 Tom

    Gen 2 Tom Active Member

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    It's unpredictable. The warning gets very sensitive when I'm accelerating and the car in front is decelerating. Tonight I was following a dump truck. It warned me twice as he was slowing. I was a long way back. So size seams to matter.
     
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  8. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    So far so good. I'm not going to tempt fate with this system.
     
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  9. priusman09

    priusman09 I used to be a TDI

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    The system is designed to help stop or minimize the severity of the collision. It does not guarantee you will completely avoid the accident. Speed, road traction and other factors all affect your stopping distance even when you do it manually. It is a whole lot better than running full speed into the obstacle in front of you. It is a safety feature that may save your life
     
  10. MichelleStone

    MichelleStone Senior Member

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    I look at it as a safety feature. One that MIGHT step in for me if I accidentally miss a cue. It's like a safety belt for me. I always drive like I'm not wearing one. Given that, it did slowed down the car once for me radically when a car in front of me was turning off the road. I would have missed the car at my speed since it would have been gone by the time I got there. But now I know it works and I'll make sure to not get so close to turning vehicles. So in that case, it has made me a safer driver.
     
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  11. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Alright, let's say it another way. You're asking a question that doesn't have an answer. It's like asking, "How fast does a Prius go on a freeway?" Depending on what Prius you're asking about, the answer is infinite. Specifically to your questing, depending on thousands of different variables, the answer is infinite.
     
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  12. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    I have the PCS turned off, but I suspect it's the same with "radar cruise control". Using cruise control, the system is VERY conservative. It slows the car when I wouldn't. I would be very surprised if any Prius actually ran into something with this system engaged. And mine is a GIII. I'm betting the G4 is better.
     
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Well unless it was an unavoidable scenario (e.g. someone darted out in front of your car), one would hope you never find yourself in a situation where the car would actually brake for you. There's plenty of warning and the car will prime the brake pads, ready for application, the moment you press the brake pedal.

    In any case, I found this video that hopefully gives you a better idea of the distance. It's fairly close. I can understand why Toyota (or any manufacturer) commit themselves to a distance because there are many variables in play. The Pre-Collision Braking (as it's formally called) is the last resort to avoid a collision.

     
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