The new navigation system is designed to keep the driver aware of potentially dangerous driving conditions, by warning drivers of low-visibility intersections, school zones, and speed traps. Additionally, the system also calculates routes faster than previous sat-navs that Nissan has made available.
The navigation system will be the first production system to use intelligent transportation system (ITS) infrastructure and other advanced technologies to promote safer and greener driving. Besides the standard navigation functions, the system includes four new features: a low-visibility intersection warning system, a school zone alert, a navigation-linked speed control and more efficient route search and calculation functionality.
The navigation-linked speed control takes control of the engine and transmission when the driver approaches a tollbooth or sharp curve at a high rate of speed. The feature is already available on the Nissan Eco series.
Of most interest is the low-visibility intersection warning system. The latest system uses a beacon that works in sync with a number of other sensors located around the general road infrastructure. Using information transmitted from this network, drivers can receive audible and display warnings when approaching some low-visibility intersections. The driver can decide whether the information is necessary to act on or not, depending on driving conditions.
Nissan is hopeful the advanced warning system will cut down on the number of traffic accidents and roadside fatalities.
