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This paper describes a forward looking on-board vehicle detection and driver alert system that provides a distance indication and alert tone to the driver. The system, called VORAD (Vehicular On-board Radar), is the first of its kind to be fielded. The system can be programmed to function in different operating modes, allowing customization to the user's requirements. Some possible operating modes include simply providing an alert to the driver, providing following distance indication measured in seconds based on the vehicles' speeds, or providing following distance measured in feet. The VORAD System also has optional features to enhance its usefulness, including a blind spot alert system and a built-in event recorder. The blind spot system provides additional information to the driver regarding the presence of vehicles in his blind spot for use in making lane changes.

Radar based collision warning systems (CWS) for heavy trucks have been in production and on the road in the United States for approximately two years. A short description of these systems is presented with actual driver performance data and accident reduction data as experienced by various U.S. national fleets using these systems. The next application of radar sensors is for Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) or also known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This paper describes the operation of adaptive cruise control and presents the associated benefits to the driver The radar technology has been enhanced and the application has been extended to include radar controlled adaptive cruise control for heavy trucks This has been made possible by 1) technology improvements in radar systems, plus 2) the addition of the standard SAE J1939 data bus for engine controllers on most U.S diesel engines.

This paper presents a discussion of the Eaton VORAD Technologies Model EVT-200 Vehicle Collision Warning system and the data recording capabilities of that system. The vehicle data management system and the accident reconstruction data system are described. The paper further discusses driver and vehicle experience based on actual customer utilization of the only radar collision warning system in production and on the road. The components and the general operation the collision warning system are presented. In addition, the paper discusses driver and management experience and feedback from users of VORAD systems and Eaton VORAD systems which have accumulated over 225,000,000 miles of highway operation on approximately 2500 vehicles and driven by over 3000 professional drivers.