Japan has infrared sensors hanging from street poles that then relay the information to the vehicles navigation equipment for mapping a faster route. Now Nissan is using the infrared sensors to “detect dangers such as cars zipping out from hidden alleys.”
In addition “the alert system also warns about yellow or red lights up ahead so they don't get missed with a picture of a traffic light popping up on the car monitor. It kicks in only if the driver isn't slowing down.” The technology could be made commercially available by 2010.
If the technology proves to decrease potential accidents then I can see how it could be useful. Many states already have cameras at intersections so why not add infrared sensors to the mix? Auto insurance premiums could go down if this type of technology becomes standard. Of course that will not be for quite some time.
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