Bus Industry 'Comes on Board' With Iteris Lane Departure Warning System
- Widespread Adoption of LDW Technology Signifies Importance of Iteris Driver Safety Device -
ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 30 -- Following the success of its breakthrough Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system in commercial vehicles across the U.S. and Europe, Iteris, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ITRS) , a leader in the development of vision-based technology that enhances driver safety, today announced that a modified version of its LDW system is now available on buses and coaches throughout Europe.
European bus manufactures EvoBus GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Omnibusse and MAN Busse have independently announced that they will be offering the Iteris LDW system in future vehicles utilized for long haul travel.
Pioneered by Iteris, the LDW system has been in production since 2000 when it made its European debut in Mercedes Actros trucks. The system is now available on more than 8,000 commercial trucks in Europe and the U.S., with over one billion kilometres travelled. The modified LDW system is currently being offered in the Neoplan Starliner after being showcased for the first time at the recent International Automobile Show (IAS) in Hanover, Germany. The LDW system is also expected to be available in the Setra, Mercedes-Benz and MAN tour busses following initial production in May 2005. The European market opportunity for the Iteris system in these buses is estimated at 7,000 vehicles per year.
"We're thrilled to see adoption of Iteris' LDW system gaining momentum in the European bus market and look forward to the same success here in the U.S.," said Jack Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Iteris, Inc. "This is one more example of how all vehicle manufacturers are realizing the compelling safety and financial benefits of using our system. After success in both the worldwide commercial truck and passenger car markets, we believe the bus market is a natural next step for widespread LDW deployment."
The LDW system detects an unintended lane departure before it occurs and alerts the driver. Using image recognition software and proprietary algorithms, the system monitors the relative position of the bus or coach and if it unintentionally crosses the lane markings, the system automatically emits a distinctive seat vibration on the right or left side depending on the direction of travel, alerting the driver to make a correction. Use of the vehicle's turn signals automatically overrides the system.
The obvious benefits of a safety device like Iteris' LDW system are supported by recent research commissioned by the European Union (EU), which indicates that there were 8,892 passenger casualties in accidents involving buses and coaches in Great Britain alone. This research also indicated that involvement in road accidents is one of the three leading causes of death in the EU. While accidents involving buses and coaches account for only three percent of roadway casualties, the number of passengers these vehicles carry often results in an increased number of fatalities and serious injury.
About Iteris, Inc.
Iteris Inc., is a leading provider of outdoor vision systems and sensors that optimize the flow of traffic and enhance driver safety. Iteris combines outdoor image processing, traffic engineering, and information technology to offer a broad range of transportation and safety solutions. Iteris Inc. is headquartered in Anaheim, California. Investors are encouraged to contact us at 714.774.5000, or at www.iteris.com.