2
Nissan has set the goal of halving the number of auto-mobile accident fatalities or serious injuries by developing safety technology based on real-world data
Nissan’s Safety Technology Development Concept Based on the concept of “Real World Safety,”
Nissan is working to create safer automobiles with
the goal of halving the number of automobile
accident fatalities or serious injuries involving its
vehicles by 2015 as compared to 1995. Already,
Nissan has made signifi cant progress – with oc-
cupant protection technologies such as SRS airbag
systems and Zone Body construction, hazard eva-
sion technologies such as ABS and VDC, and driv-
ing support technologies such as AFS – refl ected
in a 27% reduction in fatal and serious injuries
involving Nissan vehicles in 2004 compared to
1995. However, further work is needed to counter
an upward trend in the total number of accidents
and create a safer “automobile society.”Real World Safety: Nissan’s concept of analyzing the causes of actual accidents to develop and adopt
effective technologies to combat each problem.
*ABS: Anti-lock Braking System *VDC: Vehicle Dynamics Control
*AFS: Adaptive Front Lighting System
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04
’95 ’00 ’04 ’15
16
12
8
4
0
contentsSAFETY SHIELD
Nissan’s concept of “the vehicle that helps protect people.” 4
Helps the driver to maintain comfortable driving 6Helps the driver to recover from dangerous conditions
to safe driving 10
Helps minimize the damage when a collision is unavoidable 13
Improving the road-transport environment 17People-oriented activities
Nissan’s Approach to SafetyThe automobile represents a fun and conve-
nient form of mobility that can be operated
by an individual. At Nissan, we seek to make
vehicles that provide a rich and joyful driving
experience, while offering outstanding depend-
ability and safety to assure peace of mind. To
achieve a safer “automobile society,” we are not
only building safer vehicles, but also improving
the environment surrounding cars and their driv-
ers through ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems)
applications and enhancing people’s awareness
of safety issues through educational activities.
Vehicles
Individuals Society
Total number of accidents
Number of accidents causing fatal and serious injuries
Ratio of accidents causing fatal and serious injuries to total number of accidents
Source: Institute for Traffi c Accident Research and Data Analysis
(Involvement of Nissan Vehicles in Traffi c Accidents)
Index
Source: Institute for Traffi c Accident Research and Data Analysis
(Involvement of Nissan Vehicles in Traffi c Accidents)
50%
reduction
Virtually
zero
Number of fatal and serious injuries per 10,000 Nissan vehicles in Japanese market
3
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
SAFETY SHIELDNissan’s concept of "the vehicle that helps
protect people."Various barriers around the vehicle help the driver and passengers avoid dangers from normal driving
conditions through post accident conditions.
Safety Technology Development ProcessInvestigation and verifi cation are essential for tech-
nological innovation. Nissan re-creates accidents
through simulation and experiments based on
analysis of accident data collected from around the
world. In this way, Nissan identifi es the issues and
develops new technologies while improving existing
safety technologies. This process is key to the con-
tinuous evolution of safety performance at Nissan.
Nissan noticed that analysis of actual accidents
revealed the primary human factor to be “recogni-
tion error.” This means that to reduce accidents we
must not stop at developing conventional safety
technology. A further step of technological innova-
tion is also necessary to support the human factors
that help maintain safe driving conditions.
Against this background, Nissan created the origi-
nal approach to safety technology development
called “Safety Shield.”
Analysis of human factors in accidents where a Nissan vehicle was the striking vehicle
Recognition error 74.4%
Judgement error 17.7%
Operation error 6.6% Other 1.2%
Source: Institute for Traffi c Accident Research and Data Analysis (2000)
Accident re-creation
• Simulation
• Crash test
Human research
• Driver behavior
• Injury mechanisms
Safety technology
development
Performance
verifi cation
Accident analysis
4
SAFETY SHIELDNissan’s concept of “the vehicle that helps protect people.”
In the area of safety technology, Nissan pursues innovation as part of its “Safety Shield” concept,
an advanced, proactive approach to safety issues based on the idea that cars should help protect
people. This approach provides various measures to help the driver and passengers better avoid
dangers in ways that are optimized to each of a wide range of circumstances that the vehicle may
be in, from “risk has not yet appeared” to “post-crash.”
Risk has not yet appeared• Distance Control Assist System
• Intelligent Cruise Control
with low-speed following capability
• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
• Xenon Headlamps
• Around View Monitor
Risk has appeared• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Departure Prevention
• 4 Wheel Active Steer
Crash may occur• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Crash is unavoidable• Intelligent Brake Assist
• Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts
Crash• Zone Body construction
• SRS Airbag Systems
• Front-seat Active Head Restraints
Post crash• HELPNET (Emergency call service)
Helps the driver to maintain
comfortable driving
Helps the driver to recover
from dangerous conditions to
safe driving
Helps minimize the damage
when a collision is unavoidable
5
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
Recognizing that people are the key actors in the activity of driving, Nissan develops technology with
a view toward supporting the driver in control of the car. This means developing systems that provide
the driver with appropriate information in a timely fashion and respond to driver inputs according to
the driver's intentions. It also means development of vehicle systems that may intervene to help reduce
injuries and damage in case a crash becomes unavoidable. Based on this Safety Shield approach,
Nissan targets ongoing innovation toward the realization of a safer “automobile society.”
6
Indicator
Control switch
Brake actuator
Radar sensor with
main controller
Audible buzzer
Actuator
controller
(under development)
Helps the driver to maintain comfortable driving
Even when risk has not appeared, Nissan technologies make it easier for the driver to maintain safe driving conditions. Some of these innovations reduce the driver’s burden, while others enhance visibility and awareness of the immediate surroundings at night and when parking, for example.
Distance Control Assist System
Using a radar sensor installed in the front bumper,
this system helps drivers control the distance
between themselves and the vehicle in front. For
example, if the driver releases or is not pressing
the accelerator pedal, the system automatically
applies the brakes to help control the distance
from the vehicle in front. Or, if the preceding
vehicle slows down and the system determines
that braking is required, visual and aural indicators
prompt the driver to take action. The accelerator
pedal also lifts up to assist the driver in switching
to the brakes. These functions alleviate the burden
on the driver, particularly under traffi c conditions
that require frequent braking.
Accelerator pedal actuator
Too close to preceding vehicle
If the driver releases the accelerator, the system automatically
applies the brakes.*
* Brakes are applied automatically only when the driver is not pressing the accelerator.
Braking is required by driver (when preceding driver slows down, etc.)
Along with an audible warning and an indicator display, the accel-
erator pedal rises to assist the driver in switching to the brake pedal.
The Distance Control Assist System in operation
7
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
If there is a vehicle in the lane ahead, the system
uses data from a radar sensor installed in the front
bumper to control following distance appropriately
in accordance with the preset cruising speed
(about 40 to 100km/h). If there is no vehicle
ahead, the preset cruising speed is maintained.
The low-speed following mode operates at speeds
under about 40km/h to maintain an appropriate
following distance in congested traffi c, thereby
helping reduce the driver’s workload. The system
provides further convenience by switching
automatically between Intelligent Cruise Control
mode and low-speed following mode.
Intelligent Cruise Control with low-speed following capability
Indicator
Control switch
Brake actuator
Radar sensor with
main controller
Audible buzzer
Actuator
controller
Low-speed following capability
If the sensor detects a vehicle in the lane ahead and the driver
turns on the system while driving between about 10 and 40km/h,
this will maintain a following distance in accordance with vehicle
speed, up to about 40km/h.
※System operation is suspended when the lane ahead is clear.
If the preceding vehicle slows down, the system slows the car
and, when necessary, an audible warning and visual indica-
tion prompt the driver to perform braking. Below about 5km/h,
system operation is suspended and the audible warning and
visual indication prompt the driver to perform braking on his or
her own.
Maintains inter-vehicle distance
When inter-vehicle distance shortens, the system slows the vehicle and
informs the driver by sight and sound
Automatically switches between Intelligent Cruise Control mode
and low-speed following mode.
When using Intelligent Cruise Control to follow a vehicle, the
low-speed following mode activates automatically if vehicle
speed drops below about 35km/h.
During low-speed following, if speed rises above about 40km to
keep pace with a preceding vehicle, Intelligent Cruise Control
will take over if the driver has preset a cruise control speed.
When inter-vehicle distance shortens, the system slows the vehicle and
maintains an optimum distance appropriate to speed
When inter-vehicle distance lengthens, the system speeds up the vehicle and
maintains an optimum distance appropriate to speed
The Intelligent Cruise Control System with low-speed following capability in operation
8
Halogen headlamps
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
Most pedestrian fatalities occur at night, so
improved visibility is vital to help avoid such
accidents. Nissan’s AFS automatically swivels the
angle of AFS lamps (located in the headlamps)
in the direction the vehicle is turning, based on
steering angle and vehicle speed, thereby helping
to reveal obstacles in the vehicle path.
Xenon headlamps
For improved visibility, Xenon headlamps produce
bright white light that is close to sunlight in color.
This powerful yet natural looking illumination
enhances confi dence for night driving safety.
Headlamp
Xenon headlamps
System confi guration
Effect of Adaptive Front Lighting System
Headlamp
CurveLighting pattern adjusts to
match the vehicle’s path through
a curve, thereby improving visi-
bility in the direction of travel.
AFS
IntersectionHelps illuminate the direction
of travel when turning, enabling
the driver to better detect
pedestrians or other obstacles
in the crosswalk.
AFS lamps do not operate when the vehicle is stopped.
Controller
DataVehicle speed
Steering angle
Headlamp status, etc.
Headlamp
Controller
DataVehicle speed
Steering angle
Headlamp
status, etc.
Controller
Data
Vehicle speed
Steering angle
Headlamp
status, etc.
Headlamp illumination comparison
Headlamp on Nissan Tiida
In the INFINITI M35/45
With AFS lamp off With AFS lamp on
In the INFINITI M35/45
Headlamp
In the Nissan Tiida
AFS
9
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
Monitor display
Around View Monitor
Images from front, side and rear cameras combine
to form an overhead view of the vehicle relative to
a parking space. A further evolution of Nissan's
industry-leading adoption of rear-view and side blind
spot monitor technologies, this delivers real-time
information on the vehicle’s periphery in an easy-to-
understand format.
Rear View Monitor
A dashboard monitor shows the area behind the
vehicle using a rear-mounted camera. This helps
makes parking easier and helps avoid collisions with
fi xed objects while backing.
Side View Monitor
For greater confi dence when pulling over and park-
ing, this shows the area ahead of the passenger
side mirror, using a camera mounted on the mirror
and a dashboard monitor. Infrared LED illumination
increases visibility at night.
(under development)
Camera Monitor display
Camera Monitor display
Monitor
Cameras
32
4
1
Blind spots cited by
customers in order of
frequency (Nissan data)
Blind spots cited by
customers in order of
frequency (Nissan data)
3 2
4
1
10
Helps the driver to recover from dangerous conditions to safe drivingWhen a risk appears, warnings and automatic countermeasures help the driver avoid it.
Using a front-mounted camera to detect lane
divider lines, this system warns the driver via
sound and an indicator display when the vehicle
is unintentionally drifting out of its lane. In 2004,
Nissan became the fi rst to adopt Lane Departure
Warning technology in passenger vehicles in
North America.
Operation is suspended if the appropriate turn
signal has been turned on.
Lane Departure Warning
In case of unintentional lane departure, this tech-
nology not only warns the driver via sound and an
indicator display, but also generates a turning force
to help the driver return the vehicle to its lane.
Lane Departure Prevention (under development)
Indicator
Audible buzzer
Switch
Camera
Indicator
Audible buzzer
Brake actuator
Camera
Warning
System control
Warning Warning
System controlSystem control
Lane marker detection
The Lane Departure Prevention System in operation
11
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
4 Wheel Active Steer
This technology controls the steering angle of
each wheel independently according to conditions.
For example, in case of high-speed avoidance
maneuvers, it helps improve stability and respon-
siveness, so the driver can better follow the intend-
ed path. At slower speeds, it adjusts the steering
gear ratio to make it easier to steer the vehicle
with less effort.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
An application of anti-lock braking system (ABS)
technology, EBD controls rear-wheel braking
based on detection of loss of traction at the front
and rear wheels when the brakes are applied.
By controlling distribution of braking force to the
front and rear wheels according to the passenger
and luggage load, EBD minimizes differences in
braking performance whether the vehicle load is
light or heavy.
(under development)
Steering angle sensor Controller
Actuator for front wheel
active steering
Actuator for rear wheel
active steering
Example of emergency maneuver in expressway driving
The driver can follow the intended line while maintaining vehicle stability
Target driving line
4 Wheel Active Steer vehicle(More responsive & stable)
Front-wheel steering vehicle
EBD effect
The 4 Wheel Active Steer System in operation
Driver only
Multiple occupants (with EBD)
Multiple occupants (without EBD)
Stopping distance
Rear braking force Front braking force
Rear braking force
(Increases)
Front braking force
(Unchanged)
Rear braking force
(Unchanged)
Front braking force
(Unchanged)
Braking begins
12
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS electronically controls hydraulic brake
pressure to prevent wheel lockup when braking
suddenly on wet, snowy or other low-traction
surfaces. This helps preserve vehicle stability and
steering control in emergency braking situations.
This system supports the driver by providing the
strong braking needed in emergency braking
situations but with less force on the brake pedal
than would ordinarily be necessary. Brake Assist
comes into action when the driver presses on
the brake pedal with force that exceeds a certain
threshold. While enjoying normal braking response
under normal driving conditions, the driver can
easily achieve powerful braking in emergencies
and effectively activate ABS, which can further
contribute to accident avoidance performance.
Nissan led the world in commercializing Brake
Assist technology since its introduction in 1997.
Adding to the functions of ABS and TCS (Traction
Control System), VDC automatically controls
brakes and engine output to help enhance
stability when sensors detect that the vehicle may
slip sideways, based on steering, braking and
accelerator pedal operation.
Brake Assist
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
With ABS
Braking action
Without ABS
With
Brake
Assist
Without
Brake
Assist
ABS range
With Brake Assist, less
brake pedal force is needed
to activate ABS.
Normal braking Emergency braking
Brake pedal force
with VDC
without VDC
ABS effect
Brake Assist effect
VDC effect
If it does appear likely a crash may occur, these systems help the driver to return the vehicle to safe conditions by assisting in braking and maintaining control of the vehicle.
Bra
kin
g f
orc
e
13
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
In cases where a crash cannot be avoided, additional Nissan technology helps reduce injuries and damage by activating the brakes, restraining passengers, and applying other measures.
Helps minimize the damage when a collision is unavoidable
Using a radar sensor, this system measures the
distance from a vehicle being followed and gives
an audible and visual warning if it determines that
the driver should take evasive measures to help
avoid a direct rear-end collision. In addition, if the
system judges that a collision remains unavoidable
even after driver action, brakes are applied to
slow the vehicle and help reduce injuries and
mitigate damage.
Intelligent Brake Assist
A motor tightens the front seatbelts if the
system determines that the driver is performing
emergency braking or if Intelligent Brake Assist is
activated. This helps keep the driver in a posture
conducive to performing evasive maneuvers. If a
collision cannot be avoided, this technology also
helps reduce occupant motion so airbags and
other safety measures can operate optimally.
Nissan holds the basic patent on this technology, but is
providing the license to other automakers to promote safer
vehicle performance.
Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts
Indicator
Control switch
Brake actuator
Audible
buzzer
Radar sensor with
main controller
Actuator
controller
The Intelligent Brake Assist System in operation
The Brake Assist with Preview System in operation
Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts confi guration
Buzzer prompts driver to act to help avoid rear-end collision
If emergency braking will be needed because of the
distance from the vehicle ahead, the system increases brake
responsiveness by reducing play in the brake system.
If danger remains, brakes activate to help reduce damage
Brake fl uid pressure
Elapsed time
Buzzer or other audible warning
Brake fl uid pressure
Elapsed time
Brake fl uid pressure
Elapsed time
Brake Assist (with preview function)
Braking action
Radar
sensor
Brake pedal
stroke sensor
Control unit Electronic
Control Unit
Motorized retractor
(with pre-tensioner
and load limiter)
Braking force
14
Zone Body construction
Nissan’s Zone Body combines impact-absorbing
structures (crushable zones) with a high-strength
cabin (occupant zone) to help protect occupants.
With the version of the Nissan March (Japan model
name) launched in 2002, Nissan introduced a more
advanced “crash-compatible” Zone Body that not
only enhances occupant protection of the host
vehicle, but also reduces “aggressiveness” to the
other vehicle involved in an accident. In case of
pedestrian involvement, energy-absorbing construc-
tion in areas of the vehicle’s hood, fenders and cowl
help mitigate head injuries, while energy-absorbing
material in the front bumper helps reduce impact to
the legs.
If a crash does occur, the Zone Body, SRS airbag systems and other measures help mitigate injury. After a crash, systems such as HELPNET can hasten assistance to diminish the danger of secondary damage.
Zone Body construction Compatibility body
Pedestrian injuries reduction body
Crushable zone (Tiida)
Occupant zone (Tiida)
Impact-absorbing fender
& hinge structure
Impact-absorbing cowl
structure
Impact-absorbing hood
structure
Impact-absorbing bumper
structure
Dash cross-member
Crushable zoneAbsorbs energy
of impact
Occupant zoneReinforced to protect
passengers
Crushable zoneAbsorbs energy
of impact
Triangular-shaped support structure
Straight shaped front side members
Large bumper reinforcement
Door waist beamTriangular-shaped support structure
Floorboard member
Tunnel member
Multi-frame structure
Energy of impact
LargerSmaller
Energy of impact
Larger Smaller
15
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
Movable barrier
Rollover courseCrash test area
Shoot-through pit
Control room
-5º course
0º course
5º course
180º course
165º course
150º course
135º course
120º course
105º course
90º course
Working
area
Static rollover test machine
Testing capabilities
Maximum collision speed
(vehicle mass)
Vehicle-to-vehicle, each vehicle:
120km/h (2,000 kg)
Single vehicle: 140km/h (3,000 kg)
80km/h (9000kg)
Collision angles
(vehicle-to-vehicle)
5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 ,75°
85~185° (5-degree pitch)
Vehicle-to-vehicle speed ratios 1:1.5 1:2 1:3
Barrier crash tests Movable barrier
Rollover tests 4 types:
Trip-over
Corkscrew
Ditch rollover
FMVSS 208 dolly rollover
These advanced facilities in Japan are used for
testing safety performance in vehicle-to-vehicle
crashes and occupant protection performance in
rollover accidents. The lab tests head-on collisions
at speeds of up to 120km/h for each vehicle, as
well as offset collisions at angles of between 185
and 85 degrees in 5-degree intervals. Based on
analysis of a vast number of accidents, this labora-
tory enables accident re-creation with a greater
degree of fi delity to the original circumstances.
Nissan Advanced Crash Laboratory
SRS* Airbag Systems
In addition to the SRS dual airbag system, Nissan
offers SRS side airbags for chest protection of
front seat occupants and SRS curtain airbags for
head protection of front- and rear-seat passengers
in case of side impact. Nissan was fi rst to install
a driver’s seat SRS airbag system as a standard
feature in Japan and has led the industry with
adoption of SRS curtain airbag systems, previously
considered a luxury car feature, even on small pas-
senger cars, such as the March, since 2002.
*SRS: Supplemental Restraint System
Exterior
Crash test area interior Vehicle-to-vehicle crash test
Facility diagram
SRS Airbag Systems in Nissan March
16
Emergency occurs
Help button pressed to report emergencyLocation and other data transmitted to HELPNET operation center auto-
matically
Call received by HELPNET operation centerContact police, ambulance or other emergency services according to
conditions based on location data and conversation with caller
Emergency services receive reportHELPNET operation center transmits information to emergency services
and then switches connection to enable direct conversation with repor-
ter of incident
Police and/or other emergency vehicle and/or tow truck is dispatched to scene
Helpnet reporting sequence
Front-seat Active Head Restraints operation
In case of injury, illness or other emergency on
the road, the driver simply presses a Help button
to connect to the HELPNET operation center
and automatically send navigation system data
pinpointing the vehicle’s location. No handset is
used, so the driver simply answers questions from
the HELPNET operator, who contacts emergency
services, as necessary.
*HELPNET is a trademark of Japan Mayday Service Co. , Ltd.
HELPNET (Emergency call service)
The Active Head Restraint instantly moves forward
to support the head and reduce sudden backward
movement in case the occupant’s vehicle is struck
from the rear. This is designed to help minimize
stress on the neck and thereby help mitigate the risk
of whiplash and related injuries. Since about half of
Japan’s traffi c accidents are rear-end collisions and
about 90% of those result in neck injuries, Nissan
is moving forward with the adoption of Active Head
Restraint systems in its vehicles.
Front-seat Active Head Restraints
Seatbelts
Seatbelts raise the effectiveness of SRS airbag
systems and other safety measures. In a frontal
collision, a pre-tensioner prepares for impact and a
load limiter reduces post-impact stress on the chest.
A two-stage load limiter matched to front-seat airbag
deployment and defl ation characteristics lowers the
belt load, while a lap belt pre-tensioner complements
the shoulder belt. These systems work with Nissan’s
Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts and other systems for
more effective passenger restraint optimized to
individual vehicle characteristics.
Load limiter mechanismPre-tensioner mechanism
Limits load on occupant's body
during rapid deceleration.
Takes up slack in seatbelt.
Seatbelt system with pre-tensioner and load limiter
Hastens restraint Reduces stress on chest
17
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
©2003-2005 ZENRIN CO., LTD All Rights Reserved. (Z06A-No.2285)
Improving the road-transport environment
ITS Project in Kanagawa Prefecture
In 2006, the ITS Project in Kanagawa Prefecture
was launched with the aim of reducing traffi c
accidents and traffi c congestion using advanced
communication technology through the application
of ITS concepts that regard people, roads and
vehicles as an integrated system. The project
focuses on reducing intersection accidents,
improving school zone safety, mitigating traffi c
congestion and presenting drivers with information
on the fastest routes. Nissan has made signifi cant
progress in enhancing safety based on vehicle
capabilities, including building more crashworthy
vehicles and the introduction of our CARWINGS
system, which helps predict traffi c congestion and
suggests optimal routes on the basis of historical
data together with realtime traffi c information from
VICS, the Vehicle Information and Communication
System. The ITS Project in Kanagawa Prefecture
takes the additional step of linking vehicles with
infrastructure that will enhance safety and mitigate
congestion by enabling communication of road-
traffi c conditions and alerting drivers to the
presence of other vehicles in the immediate vicinity.
After verifying the effectiveness of the ITS Project
in Kanagawa Prefecture, coverage is planned to
expand nationwide and, eventually, beyond Japan.
Pedestrain protection initiative
From December 2005 through March 2006 in
Yokohama City, Nissan and telecommunications
companies tested a new service designed to help
prevent accidents involving children at pedestrian
crossings. IC tags were distributed to children and
vehicles, and receivers were installed at crossings
with poor visibility and near public parks in the
experimental zone. Based on signals from the
respective IC tags, the system can tell when children
are near vehicles and warn drivers to proceed with
caution. Nissan is proceeding with this and further
initiatives aimed at reducing accidents involving
children and pedestrians.
Information system for reduction of intersection collisionsRoad-vehicle communication technology to warn drivers of accident risks at
dangerous intersections
Vehicle detector
Object blocking view
Roadside signal
Speeding information systemTells the driver to slow down if exceeding the speed limit in restricted areas
such as school zones.
School
School zone
PROBE-based Vehicle Routing SystemIndividual vehicles automatically transmit vehicle speed and other data,
which is used by the system to detect congestion, compute travel times and
offer routing information with greater accuracy than current systems.
Japan’s current VICS traffi c
information system
Traffi c information system using
PROBE
Amount of traffi c
information obtainable
Screen
Audio
Screen
Audio
Display image
Car approaching from your left
Car approaching from your left
Go slow
Display image
School ahead. Go slow
In addition to enhancing safety of the cars themselves, Nissan is applying ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) concepts and pursuing research to provide drivers with information about other vehicles and pedestrians beyond the range of sight. Examples are the ITS Project in Kanagawa Prefecture and the Nissan ASV-3.
Speeding information systemTells the driver to slow down if exceeding the speed limit in restricted areas
such as school zones.
IC signals picked up
from child and carInformation transmitted to
car’s information device
IC signal
receiver
Children nearby.
Please drive carefully.
Telematics service center• Position detection device
• Database
• Information analysis device
Signals analyzed
Position detection device
IC tag
IC tag
18
Nissan Safety Milestones
In 1996, Nissan announced an original program called Triple Safey. Together with progress in safety technology,
Nissan’s safety philosophy has since evolved with the concept of Real-world Safety and now Safety Shield.
Safety concepts Technologies for safety and peace of mind
~1995 • Nissan NRV-II vehicle
• Cornering lamps
• Rear center high-mounted stoplight
• ABS
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Auto-dimming sideview mirrors
1996~2000 Triple Safety (’96~)Approach to safety technology based on dividing safety considerations into information
safety, control safety and impact safety.
• ABS fi rst installed as standard equipment (1996)• Zone Body construction
• Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags
• Long-life water repellent glass
• Xenon headlamps
• Rear View Monitor
• Collision detecting auto door lock release system
• Extendable sideview mirror
• Rear seatbelts with a Child Seat Locking Mechanism in
the Outboard Positions
2001~ Real World Safety (’02~)Development of safety technology based on analysis of real-world accident data
Safety Shield (’05~)“The vehicle that helps protect people” concept of having various barriers around
the vehicle help the driver and passengers avoid dangers from normal driving
conditions through post accident conditions.
• Lane-keeping Support System
• Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental
air bags
• HELPNET (Emergency call service)
• Side View Monitor
• Front-seat Active Head Restraint fi rst installed as standard equipment (2002)• SRS curtain airbag system installation (2002)• Slide-away brake pedal assembly and energy-
absorbing pad
The ASV-3, Nissan’s third-generation Advanced
Safety Vehicle, aims to help reduce accidents
by using vehicle-to-vehicle communications
and Nissan’s human-machine-interface (HMI).
The ASV-3 participated in trials sponsored by
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and
Transport promoting research & development and
popularization of automotive safety technologies.
The system indicates the vehicle’s position based
on vehicle-to-vehicle communication and supports
the driver with icon indication and audio alert
in each of fi ve scenarios, including accidents
at junctions with poor visibility and collisions
with oncoming vehicles when turning across a
traffi c lane. Feedback from these tests will be
incorporated in future Nissan vehicles.
Nissan ASV-3
If an approaching vehicle poses a danger, its color changes from blue to yellow
on the display. Simultaneously, an icon appears and an audio alert is sounded.
Accidents at junction with poor visibility
Monitor display
Monitor display
and audio alert
Technologies featured in the Nissan ASV-3
19
Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview
Educational activities
• Side door guard beams
• Driver’s seat SRS airbag system
• Front-passenger’s seat SRS airbag system
• Seat belts with pre-tensioners
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Driver's side SRS airbag system fi rst installed as standard equipment (1995)
• SRS dual airbag system fi rst installed as standard equipment (1995)
• Award for traffi c safety activities received from Japanese government (1968)
• First “Hello Safety Campaign” (1972)
• Enhanced and expanded yearly “Hello Safety Campaign” (1990)
• “Nissan Driving Park” safe driving course held in 5 prefectures of Japan (1991)
• Donation of 40,000 copies of seatbelt wearing promotion leafl et to Traffi c Safety Association branches
throughout Japan (1995)
• Seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
• Brake Assist
• Vehicle Dynamic Control
• Front-seat SRS side airbags
• Titanium clear sideview mirror
• 3-point ELR rear seatbelts
• Electronic Brake force Distribution
• Front-seat Active Head Restraints
• Cruise Control
• Ichiro Nissan safety pamphlet (1996)
• Nissan Driving Park permanent exhibition (1998)
• Nissan Driving Park with child seat program (1999)
• Child seat popularization program video (2000)
• Quest for Safety program (N. America, 1998)
• Pedestrian injuries reduction body
• Adaptive Front Lighting System
• Intelligent Brake Assist
• Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts
• Compatibility body
• Intelligent Cruise Control with low-speed following
capability
• Lane Departure Warning (N. America)
• Began traffi c safety activities aimed at aged people as part of 32nd “Hello Safety Campaign” (2003)
• Began local grassroots movement linked to traffi c safety public policy as part of 33rd “Hello Safety
Campaign” (2004)
• Produced and distributed picture book aimed at aged people and grandchildren
• Donated educational picture books and refl ective straps to 28th Traffi c Safety Fair
(sponsored by Prime Minister’s Offi ce)
• Award for traffi c safety activities received from Japanese government (2005)
• 34th “Hello Safety Campaign” (2005)
*Safety educational program shown at planetariums in 10 prefectures with worst traffi c fatality rates
(as of end of June 2006)
• Snug Kids program, industry fi rst (N. America, 2002)
Since 1972, the Nissan Hello Safety Campaign
has distributed safety education books to children
in nursery schools and kindergartens, and provided
videos for group screenings in Japan. In 2005
Nissan expanded the program to citizens aged
65 and over. Since 1998, Nissan North America
has provided the Quest for Safety program, a free
educational seminar to enhance the safety of
children in vehicles by informing caregivers of the
importance of child seats and other safety matters.
In addition, the Nissan Snug Kids program pres-
ents information to help choose child seats. These
ongoing programs are intended as a response to
the fact that, in the USA, traffi c accidents are one
of the leading causes of child mortality and about
80% of child seats are used incorrectly.
Safety promotion efforts
Nissan approaches safety not only from the standpoint of vehicle safety and the traffi c environment, but also from the standpoint of the individual, through educational activities and driver training.
People-oriented activities
Traffi c safety picture
books
Sponsorship of
planetarium screening of
educational programs
Traffi c safety classroom
on the Internet
Educational programs on
traffi c safety
Distribution of refl ective
safety straps