Mercedes invests in safety
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DAIMLER-BENZ has established a new research project aimed at dramatically reducing the number of road accidents in Europe.
The Prometheus project (Programme for a European Traffic Redesign with Highest Efficiency and Unlimited Safety) is based on the principle that most current traffic problems are caused by a lack of communications between different groups of road users.
Daimler-Benz's research and development chief, 1)1Rudolf Kiirnig, believes that
"virtually accident-free transport with a substantially higher degree of economy and environmental acceptability" can be achieved through a complete redesign of today's traffic system.
That will use new driver information and vehicle C ontrol systems, some of which have yet to be developed.
Kornig says that "all competent European firms" will he invited to take part in the Pro me theus proj ect.
The three main targets of the Prometheus project are: • The development of a vehicle whose operation is safeguarded by computers and where the driver will be able to switch to fully automatic control at low speed.
• The development of a communication network between vehicles which permits the driver to extend his field of vision.
• The development of a communication and information system with computers both on board and on the vehicle's route.