Do you know what the moose test is?
Mercedes flunked this test more than two decades ago. Since then they have however developed a host of safety features that benefit all of us today.
The moose test is an evasive manoeuvre that determines how well a certain vehicle evades a suddenly appearing obstacle (like a moose) and is usually performed at a speed of between 70-80km/h.
It all started 25 years ago in Sweden. History will show that a journalist performed the test and rolled the Mercedes Benz A Class he drove at the time. The controversy started when a much lesser vehicle completed the test successfully.
Mercedes then initiated an intense development programme and introduced electronic stability control (ESP). Various driving assistance systems were subsequently developed and today, many vehicles are safer as a result of that failed moose test.
The protection system PRE-SAFE, is part and parcel of the Mercedes intention to achieve accident-free driving by 2050.
Most people do not realise that brake control systems often involve as many as 100 functions.
ESP for example, prevents the lock-up of the front wheels and stabilises and keep the vehicle in a straight line during hard breaking emergencies.
One of the most interesting facts is that braking systems can now be employed to generate energy to help the vehicle to slow down.
Mercedes went on to develop the TwoBox system for electric vehicles in 2020. It enables among other things, shorter braking distance during emergency braking situations.
Numerous sensors and parameters such as brake pressure, yaw torque, wheel slip and gas pedal position work in tandem to enable different driving experiences. Users can select different driving programme or individual settings, and enjoy a different and completely unique driving experience without losing control of the vehicle.
Ever wondered about how many driver assistant programs there are? More than 40 active driver assistance systems – some work in tandem and others individually to ensure safer driving for all Mercedes owners.
There are many other brake related systems that we are not even aware of like active distance assist DISTRONIC which works in conjunction with cruise control: Active steering assists to keep you in your lane, blind spot assist and exit warnings to prevent you from opening your door in front of an oncoming cyclist. Active emergency stop assist will brake the vehicle if it recognises that the driver is not responding to a possible emergency situation.
Holistic safety approach
The Mercedes approach is four phased: Phase 1: Assistance whilst driving: Phase 2: Preparation for potential accidents. Phase 3: Protection in the event of an accident. Phase 4: Assistance after an accident.
“At Mercedes-Benz, we are pursuing our vision of accident-free driving. In other words: no more accidents involving a Mercedes vehicles. We are continuing to work toward this goal at full speed. Highly automated and autonomous driving will be a decisive contributor to its success. After all, vehicle safety has always been at the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand – and we want to continue to expand this claim in the future”, says Paul Dick, head of vehicle safety at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Source: MotorPress
