Abstract: A method of controlling the behavior of an occupant of a vehicle (20) includes sensing an auxiliary mode of the vehicle (20) and comparing a first vehicle operation mode to a predetermined threshold to determine a first incident. The method proceeds by actuating a resistive device (24) in response to the first incident to apply a resistance to an operational input by an occupant of the vehicle (20). The method is characterized by monitoring a precursory auxiliary mode event of the vehicle (20) subsequent to the first incident and prior to a presence of the auxiliary mode, and de-actuating the resistive device (24) in response to the precursory auxiliary mode event to remove the applied resistance.

Abstract: A method of controlling the behavior of an occupant of a vehicle (20) includes sensing an auxiliary mode of the vehicle (20) and comparing a first vehicle operation mode to a predetermined threshold to determine a first incident. The method proceeds by actuating a resistive device (24) in response to the first incident to apply a resistance to an operational input by an occupant of the vehicle (20). The method is characterized by monitoring a precursory auxiliary mode event of the vehicle (20) subsequent to the first incident and prior to a presence of the auxiliary mode, and de-actuating the resistive device (24) in response to the precursory auxiliary mode event to remove the applied resistance.

Abstract: A method of controlling the behavior of an occupant of a vehicle (20) includes sensing an auxiliary mode of the vehicle (20) and comparing a first vehicle operation mode to a predetermined threshold to determine a first incident. The method proceeds by actuating a resistive device in response to the first incident to apply a resistance to an operational input by an occupant of the vehicle. The method is characterized by monitoring a second vehicle operation mode of the vehicle subsequent to the first incident and adjusting the applied resistance in proportion to the second vehicle operation mode. The second vehicle operation mode can include monitoring the distance traveled by the vehicle, monitoring the speed or acceleration of the vehicle, monitoring the time of vehicle mobilization, or monitoring a first period of time since the first incident.

Abstract: The computer 26 sends actuating signals to the resistive device 34 to resist the occupant input to the accelerator 22, but only when the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold while the seat belt 24 is not fastened about the occupant 28. This invention is characterized by applying the resistance and adjusting the threshold in proportion to the number of times the seat belt 24 is not fastened while the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold compared with the number of times the vehicle 20 exceeds the threshold speed. Also, the threshold may be adjusted so resistance may be applied at speeds that would normally be acceptable to have the seat belt 24 unfastened when the vehicle 20 is operated at these speeds too often.

Abstract: The computer 26 sends actuating signals to the resistive device 38 to resist the occupant input to the accelerator 22, but only when the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold while the seat belt 24 is not fastened about the occupant 28. This invention is characterized by applying the resistance and adjusting the threshold in proportion to the number of times the seat belt 24 is not fastened while the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold compared with the number of times the vehicle 20 exceeds the threshold speed. Also, the threshold may be adjusted so resistance may be applied at speeds that would normally be acceptable to have the seat belt 24 unfastened when the vehicle 20 is operated at these speeds too often.

Abstract: The computer 26 sends actuating signals to the resistive device 38 to resist the occupant input to the accelerator 22, but only when the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold while the seat belt 24 is not fastened about the occupant 28. This invention is characterized by applying the resistance and adjusting the threshold in proportion to the number of times the seat belt 24 is not fastened while the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold compared with the number of times the vehicle 20 exceeds the threshold speed. Also, the threshold may be adjusted so resistance may be applied at speeds that would normally be acceptable to have the seat belt 24 unfastened when the vehicle 20 is operated at these speeds too often.

Abstract: The invention discloses an assembly and method of controlling the use of an automobile while encouraging the use of occupant restraints (12). The assembly consists of an actuator (16) that blocks the movement of the shift mechanism (10) until occupant restraint sensors (14) detect the occupant restraints (12) in the fastened positions or the expiration of the predetermined time. The length of the predetermined time must be long enough to frustrate the operator to fasten the occupant restraint (12). The predetermined time of blocking may be zero after the a pattern of consistent fastening of the restraint is established, with the blocking being reinstated if the pattern is broken by an unfastened restraint.

Abstract: The invention discloses an assembly and method of controlling the use of an automobile while encouraging the use of occupant restraints (12). The assembly consists of an actuator (16) that blocks the movement of the shift mechanism (10) until occupant restraint sensors (14) detect the occupant restraints (12) in the fastened positions or the expiration of the predetermined time. The length of the predetermined time must be long enough to frustrate the operator to fasten the occupant restraint (12). The predetermined time of blocking may be zero after the a pattern of consistent fastening of the restraint is established, with the blocking being reinstated if the pattern is broken by an unfastened restraint.

Abstract: An assembly and method of controlling the use of an automobile while encouraging the use of occupant restraints (12) including a switch (18) that moves an actuator (16) to and from a blocked position. The actuator (16) blocks the movement of the shift mechanism (10) until occupant restraint sensors (14) detect the occupant restraints (12) in the fastened positions or the expiration of the predetermined time. The predetermined time can begin at a variety of points during the method. The length of the predetermined time also varies based upon which seats in the vehicle are occupied and the weight of the passengers. The length of the predetermined time must be long enough to frustrate the operator to fasten the occupant restraint (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for prompting pedestrians to look and listen for turning vehicles includes an animated pictorial message formed in the image of a pair of scanning eyes (46,48) and generated by a pedestrian signal control (54) connected to a pedestrian signal display (32). The image (46,48) can be activated by a traffic control (52) or a motion detector (64) connected to the pedestrian signal control (54). A voice circuit (56) and speakers (58) connected to the pedestrian signal control (54) generate an audible message at the same time the image (46,48) is being displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for prompting pedestrians to look and listen for turning vehicles includes an animated pictorial message formed in the image of a pair of scanning eyes (46,48) and generated by a pedestrian signal control (54) connected to a pedestrian signal display (32). The image (46,48) can be activated by a traffic control (52) or a motion detector (64) connected to the pedestrian signal control (54). A voice circuit (56) and speakers (58) connected to the pedestrian signal control (54) generate an audible message at the same time the image (46,48) is being displayed.