Reversing is definitely safe with rear-collision intervention
Running a vehicle in reverse is often considered trivial. In fact, many accidents occur because of this maneuver. For this reason, the Real-Collision Intervention (RCI) feature continues to be developed by car manufacturers.
Driving backwards does require extra caution. At that time, the driver's view was limited. It is not surprising that many traffic accidents occur due to the backward movement of vehicles. According to The Globe and Mail, every year there are at least 200 fatal incidents due to cars moving in reverse.
This fact has attracted the attention of many parties. Car manufacturers are finally trying to find a solution. One of the features presented is the RCI feature which is considered very helpful.
What Does Rear-Collision Intervention Look Like?
RCI is a system that is capable of braking automatically when a car moving backwards has the potential to hit an object or obstacle. Given its capabilities, this technology is included as a driving safety support device.
Various car manufacturers develop different RCI systems. This also leads to different names. However, in general, the capabilities produced by these systems are actually almost similar.
RCI is considered an effective solution in overcoming the potential for accidents due to negligence when a vehicle is driving backwards. When the driver does not know there is a threat of collision, RCI can intervene by braking automatically.
How Rear-Collision Intervention Works
RCI works in a way that is almost similar to the blind spot detection system in vehicles. In principle, this system relies on sensors to detect objects.
Detection from the sensor will produce data. Later the data obtained will be forwarded to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which will take action.
Similar to blind spot monitoring, the ECU will control RCI. The ECU can immediately brake as soon as it finds an object that could potentially be hit while reversing.
Most RCI systems use radar sensors mounted on both sides of the rear bumper. Thanks to that, objects behind and to the rear can be detected.
However, there are also RCI systems that rely on sonar to detect objects. Sonar was chosen because it was considered more effective in distinguishing types of obstacles behind such as other cars, pedestrians or other objects.
Not only that, quite a few people equip RCI with cameras. This makes the driver's work easier when reversing the vehicle. He can also get a visualization of the conditions behind him so he can take appropriate action.
Just like other driving safety support systems, currently RCI continues to develop. Car manufacturers are still continuing to improve it to provide safety for drivers.
Helping Large Vehicles
RCI is very useful for all types of vehicles. However, large-bodied vehicles such as double cabins and SUVs can benefit well.
A large vehicle body will definitely be accompanied by wider blind spots. This is especially felt when the car is driven backwards. Drivers may have difficulty maneuvering safely.
That's when RCI can take a role. The system works to ensure the safety of the vehicle's reverse movement. Incidentally, there are no certain conditions for RCI to operate. There is no need for a minimum speed or special road conditions, RCI can be used immediately at any time.
As a result, it is highly recommended to activate it if the vehicle is already equipped with RCI. The benefits are huge for driving safety.
Because it has great benefits, it is possible that RCI could become a standard or mandatory feature for vehicles in the future. It can be seen that a number of developed countries such as the United States and Canada have made its existence mandatory since 2014.
Gradually, other countries such as Indonesia will definitely follow suit once RCI has become a standard vehicle feature. This system has proven to be of great benefit in securing reversing vehicles.