Sensor danger

Your article 'Sight for sore eyes' reminded me of a letter in a recent motoring magazine.

Your article

'Sight for sore eyes'

(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.



John Twin
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire


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