Abstract: Methods of performing threat assessment of objects for a vehicle include detecting an object. Kinematics of the vehicle and of the object are determined. A brake threat number and a steering threat number are determined in response to the kinematics of the vehicle and the object. The threat posed by the object is determined in response to the brake threat number and the steering threat number.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system includes a forward-looking sensor generating a range signal corresponding to a distance between the host vehicle and a target vehicle. The forward-looking sensor also generates a range rate signal corresponding to a rate that the distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle is changing. A controller is electrically coupled to the forward-looking sensor. The controller maintains a preset headway distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle by adjusting the host vehicle velocity in response to the range signal and the range rate signal. The host vehicle may come to a full stop when the target vehicle is acquired below a predetermined velocity. If the target vehicle is acquired above the predetermined velocity, then a warning is given when braking is required.