Toyota has developed a GPS-system recognising red traffic lights and warning drivers of stop signs coming up ahead with the system to be tested for the first time in Japan only, the car maker has announced.
The system requires special infrastructure at crossings with police installing infra-red transmitters that communicate with the Toyota GPS. If the driver fails to slow down, he is instructed to heed the warning signal, DPA reported.
At the traffic light the driver is informed of the remaining waiting time till the light goes green.
Other car makers including BMW, Volvo and Volkswagen are cooperating in a research project to improve safety at crossings. Sensors installed in the car communicate with cameras and scanners installed in the traffic lights.
However, the system only works if all car makers cooperate and agree on the same standards, according to a VW spokeswoman.