How this technology works
Night vision helps drivers see people or animals in the distance at night. It generates a video image in real time in either the heads-up display or on a monitor in the instrument panel. Night vision systems can help drivers to detect objects sooner. These systems use infrared sensors to detect heat contrasts.
Some systems alert the driver with an audible alarm when it detects a pedestrian.
Description
As a vehicle drives down a dark road, the night vision display on the car's dash shows a deer on the road ahead. The deer is less visible through the windshield because it is partially beyond the range of the headlights.
Operation
- These systems operate when the headlights are turned on
- Some systems can detect people or animals at 150 metres and others up to 300 metres
Things for drivers to keep in mind
- Night vision is an aid to headlights. Don't rely on it alone to detect people or animals
- Display monitors can distract the driver. Drivers must focus on driving and take only occasional glances at the night vision display
- The hotter the source, the better the detection
- System performance is limited on hot days
- The systems require a heat contrast of 10°C to detect people or animals
- Street or sign lighting can make it more difficult for the system to identify people or animals
- These systems may have limited detection ranges, make sure you know what they are for your vehicle
- You should read your owner's manual to learn about your vehicle's system, including its capabilities and limits