- World-first Safe Exit Assist technology can prevent accidents caused by “dooring” – car doors being opened into the path of cyclists
- Safe Exit Assist combines Blind Spot Monitor with new e-Latch electronic door opening system
- Lexus believes the technology could prevent up to 95 percent of accidents caused by dangerous door opening
- Technology already available on all-new NX, and soon to be introduced on all-electric RZ and 5th generation RX
Safe Exit Assist is a new Lexus safety feature designed to help prevent accidents caused by car doors being opened into the path of cyclists and other vehicles. The risks from “dooring” are in focus this week with World Bicycle Day being celebrated on Friday, 3 June.
“Dooring” is a common hazard, where a vehicle driver or passenger opens a door into the path of a cyclist approaching from behind.
Lexus has helped address the issue with a world-first technology that can prevent a door from being opened if there is the risk of an accident. Its Safe Exit Assist technology combines the new e-latch electronic door release system with Blind Spot Monitor sensors mounted on the rear of the vehicle. These will detect a cyclist or other road user, alert the driver or passengers with warning lights in the door mirror glass and instrument display, and disable the e-latch operation.
The technology made its debut on the all-new Lexus NX mid-size SUV and will also be featured on the upcoming all-electric RZ and on the all-new, fifth generation RX.
Safe Exit Assist is one element in the wide-ranging safety provisions Lexus is fitting to its cars that safeguard against accidents involving cyclists – and other road users and pedestrians – in its drive towards the ultimate goal of zero road accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
For example, the Lexus Safety System + package, which is fitted as standard to all Lexus new models includes a Pre-Collision System that can detect in daylight driving the risk of a collision with a cyclist on the road ahead. The new Intersection Turn Assist function can also warn if a crossing cyclist is in the car’s path as it makes a left or right turn at a junction.