A project by some of Japan’s leading auto manufacturers led by Mazda are stepping up their studies in making driving a safer way to get from point a o b. The study tackles areas such as blind intersections and winding roads with technology that would allow the oncoming vehicle top communicate with the car you are driving, assisting your from crashing into each other. Parts of the study that have been finished so far are rear view assist systems, radar systems that check for correct distance and assist the driver in applying the brakes even doing it automatically if needed to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of it. The Japanese are known for finding ways of incorporating technology into their vehicles with the ultimate goal being a smart Intelligent Transport System with cars connected to each other using the many wireless technologies available today. The system is to consist of smart vehicles, intelligent roadways and people, all networked to share information for a safer driving experience. The study is currently in it’s fourth phase with the testing and development phases beginning in 2006 and are projected to last till 2010. The current phase is under testing in Nagasaki for the blind collision avoidance system, right turn and rear-end collision avoidance systems is to end by 2008. As these technologies are studied and improved on, they will slowly filter down to the consumers who are of course the primary concern of such studies, minimizing the risks of driving on the roads anywhere on earth. A pre-crash sensor, pioneered by Mazda uses radar to automatically apply the brakes if the detected speed is to fast for comfort is already about to be incorporated into it’s future vehicle releases as a Pre-Crash Safety System to lessen rear-ending the vehicle in front as much as possible. The other players participating in the study are Mitsubishi and Kawasaki who are both part contributors and conducting testing as part of the effort.