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Would Toyota's Safety Sense's anti-collision stop for a deer?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Eric M., Feb 5, 2016.

  1. Eric M.

    Eric M. New Member

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    Hi. I'm a newbie here. Do any of you have any info on whether a Gen4's Safety Sense's ability to read a pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle (and automatically apply the brakes) apply as well to a deer crossing in front? And does it work for a small human, too (a child)? I've searched both Toyota's available info and PriusChat and I apologize if I missed an informative article or comment . . . The Toyota safety course demo I've seen in many videos only shows an adult-sized figure crossing in front.
     
    #1 Eric M., Feb 5, 2016
  2. IMkenNY

    IMkenNY Im just being nosy

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    I certainly hope it would stop if my "deer" mothernlaw happened to walk in front :)
     
    #2 IMkenNY, Feb 5, 2016
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  3. Sergiospl

    Sergiospl Senior Member

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    #3 Sergiospl, Feb 5, 2016
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think it depends on how quickly the deer moved into the radars field of vision. potentially, if a deer jumped out of the woods right in front of your car, you'd probably be out of luck.

    otoh, if the radar spots a deer that you can't see, and slams your brakes on, you'll probably get rear ended.
     
    #4 bisco, Feb 5, 2016
  5. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Well if it's Rudolph...you should be stopping for the red light.
     
    #5 The Electric Me, Feb 5, 2016
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  6. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    I don't know for certain but I don't think it would. Reason I say this is because from my understanding of Volvo's most recent system, it has to be programmed with thousands of specific outlines to look for (easiest way of describing it). Right now even their system only detects pedestrians and bicyclists but supposedly the next gen system will also do things like deer.

    I'll reach out to Toyota and see if I can get a definite Yes or No from them and share here.
     
    #6 Paradox, Feb 5, 2016
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    in the toyota video's, does it ever show a child running out from between 2 parked cars, right in front of the moving car?
     
    #7 bisco, Feb 5, 2016
  8. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Ok, the system is not designed to brake/stop for deer. But whether or not it does sense one and brake/stop would probably be case by case.

    So basically it isn't designed to so don't expect it to.
     
    #8 Paradox, Feb 5, 2016
  9. unicorn

    unicorn Member

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    Prius 2016 Owners Manual.pdf (search Google):

    Some pedestrians such as the following may not be detected by the radar
    sensor and camera sensor, preventing the system from operating properly:
    • Pedestrians shorter than approximately 3.2 ft. (1 m) or taller than approximately 6.5 ft. (2 m)
    • Pedestrians wearing oversized clothing (a rain coat, long skirt, etc.), making their silhouette obscure
    • Pedestrians who are carrying large baggage, holding an umbrella, etc., hiding part of their body
    • Pedestrians who are bending forward or squatting
    • Pedestrians who are pushing a stroller, wheelchair, bicycle or other vehicle
    • Groups of pedestrians which are close together
    • Pedestrians who are wearing white and look extremely bright
    • Pedestrians in the dark, such as at night or while in a tunnel
    • Pedestrians whose clothing appears to be nearly the same color or brightness as their surroundings
    • Pedestrians near walls, fences, guardrails, or large objects
    • Pedestrians who are on a metal object (manhole cover, steel plate, etc.) on the road
    • Pedestrians who are walking fast
    • Pedestrians who are changing speed abruptly
    • Pedestrians running out from behind a vehicle or a large object
    • Pedestrians who are extremely close to the side of the vehicle (outside
    rear view mirror, etc.)

    plus many cases for pre-collision system ...
    In fact, some real life study is needed.
     
    #9 unicorn, Feb 5, 2016
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  10. Eric M.

    Eric M. New Member

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    Thanks, Mark. I appreciate your checking into this with Toyota. Sure hope it’s programmed for bicyclists, too. Also, I hope Toy (like other manufacturers) begins to program deer-like shapes into their radar’s identification systems: deer (who are sometimes hard to see in twilight or around road bends) are a genuine hazard to drivers in many parts of the country, not to mention to themselves . . . although here, in urban Montana, it’s amazing how many have learned how to safely cross streets.

    Thanks for passing this on, unicorn. I don't have the manual in hand yet.

    And Bisco, regarding your comment on getting rear-ended, doesn’t that (1) presume we’re usually driving in thick traffic? Untrue for where we live, and for many drivers in America. And (2) wouldn’t your concern apply to emergency-stops for pedestrians (for whom it’s evidently designed), too, if in traffic? I’ll take getting rear-ended any day over killing or crippling a pedestrian. Maybe for a deer, too.
     
    #10 Eric M., Feb 5, 2016
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