Sensor danger

Your article

(News, 7 August) reminded me of a letter in a recent motoring magazine.

The writer was driving in bright weather on a narrow, twisty road. As he went under a viaduct, the resulting fleeting shadow caused the car's 'intelligent' lighting system to briefly switch on the headlights.

This was interpreted by an oncoming driver as a flash of meaning that right of way was being given up. A nasty accident was only just avoided, apparently.

This is a reminder that the irrational human element can make sensor-based safety systems seem far from safe.

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