Fair warning: the Forewarn Side Detection System from Delco Electronics targets the elusive blind spot - Delco Electronics Corp

The Forewarn Side Detection System from Delco Electronics targets the elusive blind spot.

In order to detect and, more importantly, inform the driver of other vehicles traveling in the blind spot, Delco Electronics Corporation has introduced the Forewarn Side Detection System (SDS). Delco adapted microwave radar technology from fighter aircraft and included it in Forewarn SDS for use on Class 6, 7 and 8 commercial vehicles.

Delco and its parent company - Hughes Aircraft Company - joined forces in a venture called HE Microwave to develop the Forewarn system. The first transportation-oriented use of the system was undertaken in 1993 when Delco began offering it for school buses, so that drivers can monitor the movements of children around the vehicle.

Forewarn SDS notifies the driver that another vehicle, which is undetectable in the tractor's right side- or rear-view mirrors, is traveling in an area of one lane to the right and 2.25 meters forward and back of the sensor's center line. A special digital signal processor alerts the driver only when a moving vehicle is within the range of Forewarn SDS's sensor, allowing him or her time to take evasive action. Meanwhile, stationary targets such as trees and guardrails will not activate the system.

According to Delco, Forewarn SDS "sees" equally well in rain, fog, sleet, snow and mud, is virtually impermeable to the elements, and will operate in temperatures from -40 to 70 degrees C. The system is compatible with the J1708 data bus and is configured to disengage during backing maneuvers. The manufacturer says Forewarn SDS units have logged nearly 500,000 miles in road tests, and that initial reactions to the system are favorable.

The three main components of the system are the sensor (mounted to the outside of the vehicle just below and behind the passenger-side door), the chime warning assembly (mounted to the dash), and the driver display (mounted to the right-side mirror). The sensor's digital signal processor distinguishes stationary targets, parked cars for instance, from moving objects that require driver notification. It monitors a zone of approximately eight feet along the right-hand side of the tractor, sending a signal to the driver display unit when necessary. According to the manufacturer, the sensor is virtually impervious to inclement weather and other harsh conditions encountered by commercial vehicles, and will not allow interference by systems such as police radar or radar detectors.

The chime warning assembly mounts to the dash and sets off an audible alert any time the driver signals a lane change. The unit includes a driver display on/off switch and an alarm volume control. Also provided are a green light which tells the driver that both the chime warning and the driver display are active, as well as an amber light that is displayed only in the case of a system fault.

The driver display portion of Forewarn SDS can be either flush- or bracket-mounted to the passenger-side mirror. Flashing red LED lights signify moving vehicles in the sensor detection area, while amber LED lights indicate a system fault or wait status. The driver display LEDs have an automatic dimming feature as well.

Delco noted that improvements in fleet safety and reductions in operating costs can be realized by installing Forewarn SDS. Because the system facilitates operation in high traffic areas with less worry, driver fatigue is reduced and the potential for accidents decreases accordingly. The company pointed to improvements in driver retention as well as fewer accidents resulting in decreased repair expenses as ways Forewarn SDS can lower operating costs.

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