Page 2 - AAA Now! – AAA Northway – Winter 2019

AAA
Pedestrian Detection Systems May Not Work When You Need Them Most
AAA finds pedestrian detection systems fail at night when the majority of pedestrian deaths occur
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More and more pedestrians are being killed on America’s roads. Luckily, many new cars have technology specifically built-in to lessen the likelihood or severity of a crash – whether with another vehicle or a pedestrian. But AAA’s latest research found that pedestrian detection systems don’t work in all scenarios, all the time.
AAA recently tested four vehicles equipped
with automatic emergency braking systems with pedestrian detection systems to evaluate their performance in several simulated driving scenarios.
Not only did the systems perform inconsistently, but they were also utterly ineffective at night.
A surprising result, considering the majority of pedestrian deaths – 75% – occur after dark. The systems also were challenged by a car turning right into the path of an adult or a child darting out from between two parked cars. In these cases, the systems did not react at all to the adult target in the path of the vehicle turning right and avoided the child target just 1 in 10 times.
AAA regularly researches emerging vehicle technologies, like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, to help educate consumers on the limitations of these systems but also to provide insight to the automotive industry on how functionality may be improved.
Nov. 9-10
Saratoga Holiday Art Fair
National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York. For more information, call 518-584-2225. Admission is free.
Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Nov. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Twin Tiers Comic-Con
www.twintierscomiccon.com
A two-day celebration of comics and popular culture in Upstate New York. Spend the weekend showing your love for comics, collectibles, toys, art, writing, games, cosplay, and much more! Special events include autograph signings, guest panels, costume contests, giveaways, and lots of activities for kids and adults alike! Tickets start at $15.
“Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise, proving how important the safety impact of these systems could be when further developed,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “But, our research found that current systems are far from perfect and still require an engaged driver behind the wheel.”
Until these systems are proven to perform consistently – especially pedestrian detection systems – during the day and at night and in a range of situations, AAA recommends drivers always:
• Be alert of their immediate
surroundings. Do not rely on pedestrian
detection systems to prevent a crash.
This technology should only serve as a
backup and not a replacement for an engaged driver. • Read the owner’s manual to understand what safety systems the vehicle is equipped with
and how those work. Before leaving the lot, ask the dealer to explain how these systems work, including what safety system alerts sound and look like and what triggers their activation.
• Use extra caution when driving at night since
this is the riskiest time for pedestrians and where the systems struggled the most. Previous AAA
Nov. 23, 5 p.m.
2019 Schenectady Holiday Parade
in Downtown Schenectady
This will be the 51st edition of the Capital Region tradition. The Daily Gazette, The Capital Region Chamber of Commerce and the City of Schenectady will be coming together again for this wonderful occasion. This year's theme will be “Sugar Rush!” The parade's floats, dancers, bands, vehicles and even the attendees will be ready to sparkle and make this the sweetest parade ever. Get ready to enjoy everything sweet – candyland, gingerbread houses, candy canes, desserts and more! Come celebrate with your family at Schenectady's "Sweetest" parade.
Nov. 29, 4–7 p.m.
City of Amsterdam Tree Lighting Ceremony
MVGO & Bridge Street, Amsterdam, New York
Live music, caroling, warm food & drinks, goodies, Santa & friends, free holiday train rides, free horse- drawn carriage rides, free kids' activities, vendors and more!
research found that headlights, even in new condition, do not provide the amount of light needed for drivers to appropriately react to something or someone in the roadway.
It is a driver’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians, but those traveling by foot should be diligent as well. Pedestrians also should use caution by staying on sidewalks and using crosswalks as often as possible. Always obey traffic signals, look both ways before crossing the street and do not walk and text.
Dec. 6-8
Christkindlmarkt
Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park,
17 West Brook Road, Lake George, New York
The Adirondack Christkindlmarkt is a family-focused, European-style Christmas festival, with a uniquely Adirondack flair and style combining cultural traditions, entertainment, local flavors and crafts with family fun activities for all ages. For more information, call 518-668-5755.
Dec. 7, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Downtown Plattsburgh Holiday Parade
and Tree Lighting, City Hall Place
Join the City of Plattsburgh as they light up the night with holiday spirit in historic downtown Plattsburgh! The parade begins at 5:30 p.m., starting on Brinkerhoff Street, going left onto Oak Street, to Court Street and down Margaret Street to end at Pine Street. Following the parade and a performance by Center Stage, the Strand Center for the Arts will be hosting the Tree Lighting. For more information, call 518-536-7485.
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