Toyota launches teen driving program

Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at advancing automotive safety and promoting responsible driving practices. The center has introduced fifteen new research projects designed to deepen the understanding of driver behavior, enhance crash avoidance techniques, and mitigate the impact of collisions.

According to Danil Prokhorov, CSRC Director, these projects are a direct response to the latest trends in the automotive industry and traffic safety. “We are focused on nimbleness by addressing today’s safety needs with new insights into future products, processes, and policies that can help create a safe mobility society for tomorrow,” he stated.

One of the notable initiatives unveiled by Toyota is the Risk ATTEND Program (Risk Anticipation Training to Enhance Novice Driving). Developed in collaboration with Discovery Education and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, this program aims to equip teen drivers with the skills and knowledge to anticipate and respond to risky situations on the road. Through self-paced driving simulation modules, young drivers are exposed to challenging scenarios before encountering them in real-life, enhancing their ability to predict and detect potential hazards.

The CSRC’s new research projects are categorized into three main tracks: Human-Centric, focusing on safe technology interaction with people; Safety Assurance, dedicated to crash avoidance; and Assessment, empowering safety decision-making. These tracks are designed to address the emerging challenges of the changing mobility ecosystem.

In addition to the new projects, CSRC has released summaries of fourteen recently completed research initiatives, which are available for review and download. These projects contribute to the center’s ongoing efforts to advance safety for the industry as a whole through open collaborations with universities, hospitals, and other research institutions.

Since its establishment in 2011, CSRC has completed or initiated 116 research projects in partnership with more than 30 institutions. The results of these projects are regularly published in prestigious scientific journals and presented at renowned conferences and meetings, ensuring that the findings are accessible to stakeholders and contribute to the advancement of research and technology related to the safe integration of future mobility solutions.

Through these initiatives, Toyota continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving automotive safety and fostering a culture of responsible driving. By leveraging cutting-edge research and innovative educational programs, the company aims to create a safer and more sustainable mobility ecosystem for all.

WionDrive News Desk: