INNOVATION
Safety
LDWS: Lane Departure Warning System
Concerned for the safety of its customers, Peugeot has equipped its 308 with the LDWS, a system capable of warning the driver of an unintentional lane departure. This innovation is based on the use of infrared sensors detecting road markings on highways and motorways.
Operation of the LDWS:
- Six infrared sensors are installed behind the bumper, under the front shield of the car. Directed toward the ground, they monitor the road and detect crossing of the white line: each of them contains an infrared LED and a detection cell, and variations in reflection of the infrared beam emitted by the LED on the roadway ensure detection.
- If the vehicle crosses a continuous or discontinuous line, the information is transmitted to a monitoring computer which trips the driver warning.
- Two vibrators incorporated in the driver's seat cushion warn the driver of crossing of the white line without disturbing the passengers. The vibrations are transmitted on either the left-hand or right-hand to indicate the side on which the lane departure has occurred.
This system detects any unintentional change of lane on highways and expressways, whenever the car reaches 80 km/h and the lanes are demarcated (continuous or discontinuous line irrespective of its colour). The driver, retaining full control of his driving actions, need merely correct his trajectory. The system does not affect the vehicle's controls.
This key innovation has proved very popular with users and industry specialists.