Abstract: An apparatus in a host vehicle evaluates neighboring vehicles on a roadway for problems relating to braking performance. A plurality of remote sensors are configured to generate sensor data indicative of abnormalities of the brakes of the neighboring vehicles. A control circuit is configured to process the sensor data to identify a neighboring vehicle exhibiting an abnormality. A communication circuit wirelessly transmits a message to the neighboring vehicle conveying the abnormality. The host vehicle may include a driver assistance system responsive to the abnormality to initiate an evasive maneuver of the host vehicle in order to avoid a path of the neighboring vehicle which exhibits the abnormality.

Abstract: A steerable vehicle is configured to assist drivers who are traversing a snow-covered roadway. The vehicle uses perimeter sensors including a far-infrared camera to examine the roadway in front of the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a driver assistance system configured to operate the vehicle into a specified path or operate the vehicle by remaining in the specified path. The vehicle uses a controller to support a lane-keeping mode configured to be active while the roadway is snow-covered. The lane-keeping mode inspects images captured by the far-infrared cameras for tire tracks of previous vehicles and roadway edge features both which create compact snow and may assist in determining a skirting path or an adverse navigation area. The skirting path may be presented to the driver on a display or can be autonomously followed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automotive vehicles respond to earthquake warnings to provide occupant awareness of potential hazards while taking autonomous actions such as slowing the vehicle, navigating to a safe location, and providing safety advice. Data gathered by the vehicle can be sent wirelessly to a remote center for coordinating emergency response using the data. The vehicle preferably comprises a powertrain, a plurality of vehicle accessory systems, and an emergency management controller. The controller is adapted to receive an earthquake warning message. The controller responds to the warning message by providing a power conservation command to at least one accessory system to reduce power consumption by at least one respective noncritical accessory function. In addition, it evaluates a vehicle mobility status and automatically launches a corresponding safety measure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automotive vehicles respond to earthquake warnings to provide occupant awareness of potential hazards while taking autonomous actions such as slowing the vehicle, navigating to a safe location, and providing safety advice. Data gathered by the vehicle can be sent wirelessly to a remote center for coordinating emergency response using the data. The vehicle preferably comprises a powertrain, a plurality of vehicle accessory systems, and an emergency management controller. The controller is adapted to receive an earthquake warning message. The controller responds to the warning message by providing a power conservation command to at least one accessory system to reduce power consumption by at least one respective noncritical accessory function. In addition, it evaluates a vehicle mobility status and automatically launches a corresponding safety measure.