Mercedes to Use Lane-Change Warning System

The first mass-production order of a video-based lane-change warning system has been shipped by an Anaheim sensors technology firm, Iteris Inc., to DaimlerChrysler in Europe for use as optional equipment on Mercedes-Benz’s Actros commercial trucks. The AutoVue lane-departure warning system was developed by Iteris and DaimlerChrysler to help prevent accidents caused by unintended lane changes. Highway safety statistics show that thousands of accidents are caused each year by unintended lane changes. Although AutoVue’s first use is on commercial trucks, Iteris expects the system eventually to be offered on passenger vehicles. Iteris, a subsidiary of Anaheim-based Odetics Inc., said its contract with DaimlerChrysler is open-ended. The initial order was for 100 of the units, which add less than $1,000 to the cost of each truck. AutoVue uses on-board video cameras and image-recognition software to track lane markings in the road. When the system senses the vehicle drifting into an adjacent lane, it sounds an alarm.