Abstract: Intelligent lighting is provided to motorists traveling down a stretch of road by sequentially turning on adjacent lighting devices in a lighting segment only when required, such as when vehicles are approaching the lighting devices, and turning off the lighting devices or decreasing a light intensity output of the lighting devices to a predefined minimum lighting intensity output level when no vehicles are present. In addition, which bulb to use in a multi-bulb lighting device is determined, as well as the optimal lighting intensity level of the selected bulb. Further, it is determined which lighting devices in a lighting segment may be turned off or dimmed while maintaining a predefined minimum safe light/brightness level along a pathway associated with the lighting segment.

Abstract: Systems are for operator control of a marine vessel. The systems can include a base; a handle that is pivotable with respect to the base; a first accelerometer coupled to the handle, the first accelerometer having an output that indicates an amount of an acceleration of the handle and a direction of movement of the handle; and a second accelerometer coupled to the base, the second accelerometer having an output that indicates an amount of acceleration of the base and a direction of movement of the base. A control circuit compares the outputs of the first accelerometer and the second accelerometer to calculate an amount of movement of the handle with respect to the base and a direction of movement of the handle with respect to the base.

Abstract: A rearwardly facing vehicle warning system for alerting nearby motorists of a coasting condition on a highway or similar high speed road. The system comprises a light source placed in the rear of a vehicle that illuminates when a motorist is neither applying pressure to the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal. A single light, illuminated in a color other than preexisting vehicle tail light colors, receives communication from an electric circuit or onboard computer that is communicating with a sensor monitoring both the accelerator and brake pedal. When neither is being utilized, the light is illuminated to warn motorists that the vehicle is undergoing a coasting condition and may be decelerating. The system provides notice of vehicle coasting to prevent unnecessary vehicle collisions from the rear due to an un-indicated change in vehicle speed, which may result from failing to maintain speed through constant pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: An indicator system for regenerative slowing of a hybrid or electric vehicle includes at least one deceleration indicator positioned on the rear of a vehicle, a vehicle deceleration monitor configured to monitor deceleration and produce a control output signal if deceleration exceeds a predetermined level, a vehicle braking module configured to detect application of the conventional vehicle brakes, and an indicator control module configured to actuate the deceleration indicator when a vehicle deceleration output signal exceeding the predetermined level is received and conventional vehicle brakes are not applied. An independent driver-operated regen mode switch may provide for driver-initiated regen slowing independent of the conventional vehicle brakes or gears, with the deceleration indicator being on when regen mode is initiated by the driver without application of friction brakes, and the predetermined deceleration level is exceeded.

Abstract: A rear collision prevention system includes: a linkage coupled to a gas pedal, the linkage capable of sensing the position of the gas pedal, the linkage communicatively coupled to a transmitter, a transmitter with at least a first channel and a second channel, where the first channel receives a signal from the linkage when the gas pedal is depressed, and the second channel receives a signal when the gas pedal is released. The system also includes a receiver communicatively coupled to the transmitter. The receiver receives signals from the first channel and the second channel of the transmitter. An illumination device is communicatively coupled to the receiver, and the device illuminates in a first color responsive to the receiver receiving a signal on the first channel and illuminates in a second color responsive to the receiver receiving a signal on the second channel.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and method for using street map data broadcasts a warning to a driver, wherein the warning is triggered when a vehicle operating parameter does not comply with a limitation for a current street in a street mapping database. The limitation for the current street is also broadcast to the driver. An indication that the limitation for the current street is incorrect is received from the driver. The warning to the driver may be an audible warning and/or a visual warning to the driver. Broadcasting a limitation for the current street may include displaying the limitation to the driver or playing a spoken message to the driver. The limitation may be a posted speed limit or a traffic direction, for example.

Abstract: A system for detection of braking of a vehicle may include a device provided in a first vehicle. The device may be in communication with a detector mounted to the first vehicle to monitor an area in front of the first vehicle. The detector may detect light emitted by the rear lights of a second vehicle when the second vehicle is ahead of the first vehicle in the monitored area. The device may acquire data from the detector and analyze the acquired data in order to detect an optical signal emitted by the rear lights of the second vehicle. The optical signal may encode information indicative of a braking procedure being performed by the second vehicle. The device may evaluate the detected optical signal in order to derive the information indicative of the braking procedure of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for actuating a brake light of a hydraulic driven working machine that includes equipment to detect the condition of travel including a travel speed sensor, a gear selector switch, a travel direction switch and a travel pedal pressure sensor. The equipment automatically activates a brake light via a control circuit depending on the selected gear if the machine decelerates without the brake pedal being pushed.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle, includes: a controller that is configured to obtain an index on the basis of a running condition of the vehicle, to vary a running characteristic of the vehicle on the basis of the index, and to vary details output from an effect producing device, which applies a stimulus to at least part of five senses of a driver of the vehicle, on the basis of the index, wherein when a variation in the running characteristic because of a variation in the index decreases, quickness of a behavior of the vehicle, the variation in the index in response to a variation in the running condition is relatively delayed, as compared with when the variation in the running characteristic because of the variation in the index increases quickness of the behavior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A progressive braking indicator system includes a brake light assembly having multiple lights, a brake pedal for the vehicle, a sensor connected to the brake pedal for measuring a distance the brake pedal has moved and an amount of pressure applied to the brake pedal by a driver of the vehicle, and a brake control processor connected to the sensor and the at least one brake light assembly. The brake control processor is configured to: a) receive the distance and amount of pressure measured by the sensor, b) generate a signal based on the distance and amount of pressure measured by the sensor, wherein the signal is configured to illuminate a varying subset of the plurality of lights based on the distance and amount of pressure measured by the sensor. A power source connected to the at least one brake light assembly, the sensor, and the brake control processor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an externally mounted vehicle warning light system and related method, employing an accelerometer illuminating different lights to indicate to other drivers whether a vehicle is accelerating, decelerating, coasting or braking.

Abstract: A system for detecting vehicle deceleration having an accelerometer, a processing arrangement, and a deceleration indicator. The processing unit samples data from the accelerometer, and based on that data, determines if the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating. If the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating in excess of a threshold, the deceleration indicator is activated.

Abstract: There are provided a brake pedal sensor and a stop lamp lighting device in a vehicle, which are capable of controlling blinking of a stop lamp in a simple configuration. The brake pedal sensor includes: a stop lamp switching section which outputs a switch signal; a brake position sensor section which outputs a brake position signal; and a logic circuit section for receiving the switch signal and a blinking signal generated by the brake position signal are inputted, and which outputs a control signal for controlling lighting and blinking of the stop lamp. Using this brake pedal sensor allows configuration of the stop lamp lighting device in a simpler manner.

Abstract: A mobile electronic apparatus includes a memory that stores a search range of an object and a processor that executes a process. The process includes acquiring a moving speed of the mobile electronic apparatus, determining the search range of the object on a basis of the moving speed, detecting the object existing within the search range, detecting whether a display unit of the mobile electronic apparatus is in an active state, and notifying that the object is detected when the display unit is detected to be in the active state and the object existing within the search range is detected.

Abstract: A sensor for actuating a vehicle warning signal includes a housing, a magnetically activated switch on an outside surface of the housing, and a wireless connection connecting the switch to a warning signaling device. The housing includes a cavity, at least one spring inside the cavity, and a moveable magnetic weight element adjacent the spring. In a first condition the weight element is located in a first resting, non-activating position remote from said switch, and in a second condition, during a deceleration of the vehicle, the weight element moves to compress the spring so that the weight element moves from the first position to a second activating position proximate the switch so that the switch is closed by magnetic interaction with the weight element, the closing of the switch causing the warning signaling device to be activated to provide a warning to following vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing deceleration rate information of a user operating a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a unit including an accelerometer, a processor, and a lighting mechanism. The processor receives from the accelerometer deceleration info of the vehicle and variably adjusts at least one aspect of the lighting mechanism, thereby quantitatively signaling the deceleration rate to a driver of a following vehicle. The unit may be mounted on an article of clothing, a bag, or the vehicle itself.

Abstract: A wide-angle LED warning apparatus has a heat sink base, a circuit board, multiple pillars, multiple LED devices and a transparent cover. The circuit board is mounted in the heat sink base. The pillars are formed in the heat sink base and each pillar respectively has an oblique surface, the oblique surfaces facing toward two opposite sides of the heat sink base. The LED devices mounted on a front surface of the circuit board and the oblique surfaces of the pillars. The transparent cover is mounted on the heat sink base. Hence, the LED warning apparatus of the invention can widely emit light due to the LED devices mounted on the oblique surfaces of the pillars to provide enhanced warning effect and security.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving support device that is capable of realizing driving support in consideration of a risk potential determination tendency of a driver. The driving support device is a device that estimates a risk potential that is a degree of a risk with respect to a risk target in driving of a vehicle and performs a driving support for a driver of the vehicle on the basis of the estimated risk potential, and includes: a risk potential bias setting unit that sets a risk potential bias that is a value for changing the risk potential on the basis of a risk potential determination tendency of the driver; and a risk potential estimating unit that changes the risk potential on the basis of the risk potential bias set by the risk potential bias setting unit.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. For example, a vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle may respond to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. For example, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T.

Abstract: A movement warning system for notifying a proximal entity of the approach of a vehicle comprising a sensor system, a controlling mobile device, and a signal generator system. The sensor system generates motion data indicative of movement of the vehicle. The controlling mobile device generates at least one warning signal based on the motion data. The signal generator system generates at least one warning based on the to at least one warning signal. The signal generator generates the warning such that the proximal entity perceives the warning.

Abstract: A vehicle with an accident prevention system is disclosed. The vehicle also has a foot brake for stopping the vehicle. The system includes a sensor arrangement for sensing an object behind a rear end of the vehicle that generates an object recognition signal when it senses an object within range behind the vehicle. The sensor arrangement includes passive IR sensors or reflected pulse sensors such as sonar or radar sensors on the rear end. A controller generates an accident prevention response signal on receiving an object recognition signal from the sensor arrangement. A brake applicator is operatively coupled to the brake to stop the vehicle when the controller generates a response signal. Conveniently the system includes an alarm for sounding an alarm signal. A method for preventing an accident where a vehicle which is reversing at low speed collides with a person is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acceleration communication system may communicate acceleration information about a transportation apparatus to one or more persons. A lighting system may be attached to the transportation apparatus. An acceleration detector may detect the direction of lateral acceleration of the transportation apparatus. A light controller may cause the lighting system to illuminate in a manner that indicates the direction of the lateral acceleration detected by the acceleration detector.

Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.

Abstract: A multiple detection zone supplemental remote control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.

Abstract: A method of and system for detecting absolute acceleration along various axes relative to a desired movement vector while moving relative to a gravity source includes steps of determining a vertical acceleration, perpendicular to the desired movement vector and substantially anti-parallel to a gravitational acceleration due to the gravity source; determining a longitudinal acceleration, parallel to the desired movement vector and to output at vertical acceleration signal and a longitudinal acceleration signal; determining an inclination of the desired movement vector relative to the gravitational acceleration; and processing the vertical acceleration signal, the longitudinal acceleration signal, and the inclination signal to produce an absolute vertical acceleration signal and an absolute longitudinal acceleration signal.

Abstract: A multiple detection zone supplemental remote control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.

Abstract: A brake warning device and method includes acquiring acceleration data of a bicycle, and calculating a specific parameter according to the acceleration data acquired within a preset interval using a preset calculation method. The bicycle is determined to be decelerating if the specific parameter is less than a preset threshold value. A brake light of the brake warning device is turned on to warn that the bicycle is braking.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the communication system is customized before it is installed within the vehicle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the communication system is customizable after it is installed within the vehicle by turning on and/or turning off one or more of the data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is able to be implemented on a bus or other such fleet vehicles.

Abstract: A sensor for actuating a vehicle warning signal includes a housing, a magnetically activated switch on an outside surface of the housing, and a wireless connection connecting the switch to a warning signaling device. The housing includes a cavity, at least one spring inside the cavity, and a moveable magnetic weight element adjacent the spring. In a first condition the weight element is located in a first resting, non-activating position remote from said switch, and in a second condition, during a deceleration of the vehicle, the weight element moves to compress the spring so that the weight element moves from the first position to a second activating position proximate the switch so that the switch is closed by magnetic interaction with the weight element, the closing of the switch causing the warning signaling device to be activated to provide a warning to following vehicles.

Abstract: An indicator portion (55) includes a first indicator portion (110) and a second indicator portion (112). The first indicator portion (110) indicates an accelerator pedal opening degree that changes in accordance with an operated amount of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The second indicator portion (112) includes a division line (114) and regions (116, 118) divided by the division line (114). The division line (114) shows an accelerator pedal opening degree where traveling modes (EV mode and HV mode) are switched. The regions (116, 118) show the ranges of accelerator pedal opening degrees where traveling is performed in EV mode and HV mode, respectively.

Abstract: A control circuit for activating at least one emergency light when a vehicle's brakes are applied is described. The control circuit includes a pressure switch configured to selectively couple a power source and an electrically-operated actuator to facilitate selectively energizing the electrically-operated actuator. The electrically-operated actuator includes at least one contact set configured to couple the power source to the at least one emergency light when the electrically-operated actuator is not energized. The control circuit also includes a manual reset circuit coupled to the pressure switch and to the electrically-operated actuator. The manual reset circuit configured to facilitate energizing the electrically-operated actuator upon receipt of an operator input.

Abstract: A method and a control device for triggering passenger protection devices are provided, the passenger protection devices being triggered as a function of a first acceleration signal and/or a driving dynamics signal. The acceleration signal is corrected by an offset by a comparison with the driving dynamics signal.

Abstract: An automotive brake light system producing a graduated display according to the level of vehicle deceleration as sensed by an onboard piezoelectric accelerometer. Taillight assemblies are divided into segments which are illuminated in sequence to produce a graduated display. The vehicle anti-lock brake system may be connected into the system to provide a special lighting effect such as blinking the taillights during a panic stop condition.

Abstract: An accelerator reaction force control apparatus has an accelerator position detecting device that detects an accelerator position and a reaction force varying device that varies a reaction force of an accelerator. The reaction force varying device increases the accelerator's reaction force beyond a base reaction force in response to the accelerator position being equal to or larger than a reaction force increase threshold, and decreases the accelerator's reaction force toward the base reaction force in response to the accelerator position becoming equal to or smaller than a reaction force increase cancellation threshold after the reaction force has been increased beyond the base reaction force. The reaction force varying device varies a reaction force decrease rate at which the accelerator's reaction force is decreased based on an accelerator position change condition existing at a time when the accelerator position becomes equal to or smaller than the reaction force increase cancellation threshold.

Abstract: A sensor for actuating a vehicle warning signal includes a housing, a magnetically activated switch on an outside surface of the housing, and an electrical connection connecting the switch to a warning signaling device. The housing includes a cavity, at least one spring inside the cavity, and a moveable magnetic weight element adjacent the spring. In a first condition the weight element is located in a first resting, non-activating position remote from said switch, and in a second condition, during a deceleration of the vehicle, the weight element moves to compress the spring so that the weight element moves from the first position to a second activating position proximate the switch so that the switch is closed by magnetic interaction with the weight element, the closing of the switch causing the warning signaling device to be activated to provide a warning to following vehicles.

Abstract: A speedometer gauge mounted on the rear of a vehicle or trailer that continuously and accurately displays a vehicle's speed in real time by utilizing a pattern of lights that illuminate sequentially in such a fashion as to exhibit to the traffic following, the speed of the vehicle, rate of deceleration or acceleration, and to indicate that the vehicle is stopped, in a panic stop, parked, standing, “riding the brake” or “riding the turn indicator” mode. A video game comprising the use of a speedlight.

Abstract: An indicator system for regenerative slowing of a hybrid or electric vehicle includes at least one regenerative-only deceleration indicator positioned on the rear of a vehicle in addition to the conventional vehicle brake lights, a vehicle deceleration monitor configured to monitor deceleration of the vehicle and produce a control output signal if deceleration exceeds a predetermined level, a vehicle braking module configured to detect application of the conventional vehicle brakes, and an indicator control module configured to actuate the regen-only deceleration indicator when a vehicle deceleration output signal exceeding the predetermined level is received and the conventional vehicle brakes are not applied.

Abstract: A method of and system for detecting absolute acceleration along various axes relative to a desired movement vector while moving relative to a gravity source includes steps of determining a vertical acceleration, perpendicular to the desired movement vector and substantially anti-parallel to a gravitational acceleration due to the gravity source; determining a longitudinal acceleration, parallel to the desired movement vector and to output at vertical acceleration signal and a longitudinal acceleration signal; determining an inclination of the desired movement vector relative to the gravitational acceleration; and processing the vertical acceleration signal, the longitudinal acceleration signal, and the inclination signal to produce an absolute vertical acceleration signal and an absolute longitudinal acceleration signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically decelerating a vehicle to avoid a collision or reduce the consequences of a collision with a detected collision object, wherein, at a determined intervention point-in-time, a brake system of the vehicle is automatically triggered such that a deceleration of the vehicle is caused, and wherein an automatic deactivation of the automatic braking intervention can take place by an increased actuation of the accelerator. A deactivation is carried out as a function of an override maneuver that depends on the actual driving dynamics, particularly an actuation of the accelerator that depends on the actual driving dynamics.

Abstract: A water vehicle braking display apparatus, the apparatus including at least one sensor adapted to detect changes in input information, a signal generator to generate a signal based upon changes detected in the input information, and a display mounted for at least visual display and operable to produce a display upon receipt that a change has occurred in the input information from the signal generator.

Abstract: A vehicle having an electric drive and having a sound transducer is provided. The vehicle has a sound generator for substantially simultaneously emitting a first noise having increasing frequency and decreasing loudness, a second noise having increasing frequency and increasing loudness, and at least a third noise having increasing frequency by means of the sound transducer, in particular during increasing rotational speed of the electric drive.

Abstract: A method of emanating a sound from a vehicle includes detecting a transmission state and a brake state of the vehicle and determining whether a vehicle movement state indicates intent to move the vehicle from a stationary state based on the transmission state and the brake state. The method further includes emanating the sound when the vehicle movement state indicates intent to move the vehicle, and refraining from emanating the sound when the vehicle is in the stationary state and the vehicle movement state fails to indicate intent to move the vehicle.

Abstract: An accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling determining unit determines whether the number of engine revolutions of a vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, whether an accelerator opening rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, and whether a traveling state is an accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state where a quantity of fuel injection to an engine is 0. When it is determined that the traveling state is the accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state, the traveling distance adding-up unit adds up accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling distances. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates driving by a driver based on each of the added-up values which were added up by the traveling distance adding-up unit. A fuel-saving driving advice generating unit notifies the driver of a fuel-saving driving advice together with a rating result in accordance with the rating result.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining a signal representing motor vehicle acceleration. The method involves obtaining a high pass filtered vehicle acceleration signal and a low pass filtered vehicle acceleration signal. One of these signals (preferably the high pass filtered signal) is obtained based upon the net driving force applied to the vehicle, which can be used to obtain an estimate of acceleration by means of an adoptive vehicle model (28). The other signal is obtained by measurement, for example by differentiating a measured vehicle speed signal with respect to time. Adding the two filtered signals together gives a vehicle acceleration signal of potentially good quality.

Abstract: A deceleration-activated brake light system for a vehicle featuring a speed sensor, a brake sensor, a throttle sensor, and an engine brake switch; and a microcontroller operatively connected to a standard relay switch functioning to activate a standard brake light system of the vehicle, the microcontroller is configured to receive input signals from the sensors when the sensors detect deceleration of the vehicle more than a predetermined percent, coasting of the vehicle more than a predetermined amount of time, application of the brake pedal; or engagement of the auxiliary brake whereupon the microcontroller generates an output command to the relay to cause activation of the standard brake light system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control device (10) is provided that can predict a driving operation of a driver earlier to respond to the driving operation quickly. The vehicle control device (10) includes: a posture measuring unit (11) to measure a posture indicating a state of at least one of the buttock region, the upper pelvic region, and the driver's leg opposite to the other leg with which the driver operates a brake or an accelerator; a posture change detection unit (12) to detect a posture change measured; a preparatory movement identification unit (13) to identify whether the posture change is caused by the driver's preparatory movement spontaneously made before the brake or accelerator operation, based on whether the posture change detected satisfies a predetermined condition; and a vehicle control unit (14) to control the vehicle when it is identified that the posture change has been caused by the preparatory movement.

Abstract: An indicator system for regenerative slowing of a hybrid or electric vehicle includes at least one regenerative-only deceleration indicator positioned on the rear of a vehicle in addition to the conventional vehicle brake lights, a vehicle deceleration monitor configured to monitor deceleration of the vehicle and produce a control output signal if deceleration exceeds a predetermined level, a vehicle braking module configured to detect application of the conventional vehicle brakes, and an indicator control module configured to actuate the regen-only deceleration indicator when a vehicle deceleration output signal exceeding the predetermined level is received and the conventional vehicle brakes are not applied.

Abstract: An accelerator reaction force control apparatus has an accelerator position detecting device that detects an accelerator position and a reaction force varying device that varies a reaction force of an accelerator. The reaction force varying device increases the accelerator's reaction force beyond a base reaction force in response to the accelerator position being equal to or larger than a reaction force increase threshold, and decreases the accelerator's reaction force toward the base reaction force in response to the accelerator position becoming equal to or smaller than a reaction force increase cancellation threshold after the reaction force has been increased beyond the base reaction force. The reaction force varying device varies a reaction force decrease rate at which the accelerator's reaction force is decreased based on an accelerator position change condition existing at a time when the accelerator position becomes equal to or smaller than the reaction force increase cancellation threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for energizing one or more brake lights on a vehicle without an operator of the vehicle applying a brake of the vehicle by determining an acceleration of the vehicle, energizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever the acceleration of the vehicle equals or exceeds a braking threshold, and deenergizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever: (a) the brake lights are energized, (b) the acceleration of the vehicle is less than the braking threshold, (c) a specified period of time has elapsed since the brake lights were energized, and (d) the operator is not applying the brake of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor for actuating a vehicle warning signal includes a housing, a magnetically activated switch on an outside surface of the housing, and an electrical connection connecting the switch to a warning signaling device. The housing includes a cavity, at least one spring inside the cavity, and a moveable magnetic weight element adjacent the spring. In a first condition the weight element is located in a first resting, non-activating position remote from said switch, and in a second condition, during a deceleration of the vehicle, the weight element moves to compress the spring so that the weight element moves from the first position to a second activating position proximate the switch so that the switch is closed by magnetic interaction with the weight element, the closing of the switch causing the warning signaling device to be activated to provide a warning to following vehicles.