Mercedes launches Attention Assist

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 13 August 2008 13:28 Mercedes-Benz researchers call it the ‘one-second nap’ – that instant when fatigue overcomes you at the wheel on a long trip and you wake up in hospital. To counter dozing off while driving, which Mercedes claims accounts for a quarter of all major motorway accidents, its engineers have developed an innovative driver support system called Attention Assist. As well as registering linear and lateral acceleration, indicator and pedal operation and vehicle speed, the system also monitors steering response - the most important indicator of fatigue according to Mercedes, is tired drivers have difficulty in keeping their vehicle precisely on track.

Smart ForTwo

First launched in 1998 as the MCC Smart City Coupe, the ForTwo has been redeveloped as it moves towards the North American market. Length has increased from 2.5m to just under 2.7m - for greater crash protection and more trunk space, which now stands at 340 liters when packed to the roof. Regulations have also seen the IP straightened out, though the prominent air vents remain.

60mph speed limit plans axed in favour of smart motorways

Government plans announced early this year to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions by reducing the speed limit on a 32-mile stretch of the M1 have been shelved. The proposals involved lowering the speed limit from 70mph to 60mph, from junction 28 of the M1, near Matlock in Derbyshire, to junction 35a, north of Rotherham. MSN readers back 80mph limit on UK motorways UK motorway to charge moving electric cars But Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin will announce later today that blanket reductions of speed limits are not the answer, and alternative solutions to improving air quality must be found.