The History of the Subaru Eyesight Safety System
With a history as one of the safest auto brands out there, Subaru was the first Japanese car to begin crash testing in the 1960s. Over the next few decades, Subaru continued to strive to be the safest car on the road. With the release of the Subaru EyeSight in 2008, they began paving the way for automotive safety technology.
It began as the first safety operating system using only stereo cameras. In the last twenty years, EyeSight has evolved to include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and sway warning, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management.
When did EyeSight debut?
With a reputation for safety in a world of rapidly growing technology, safety tech on cars is part of the natural progression. In 2008, vehicle technology was really beginning to heat up. When EyeSight was introduced that year it set a new precedent in vehicle technology geared toward safety. It began a wave of innovation that made similar safety systems show up in vehicles across the board. EyeSight changed the way engineers approach vehicle safety technology.
“EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is the culmination of everything Subaru engineers know about safety, and Subaru has sold over 1 million EyeSight-equipped vehicles. Adding confidence to every trip, EyeSight monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and warns you if you sway outside your lane. EyeSight has been found to reduce the rate of rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85%.”
Subaru Global
After two years of safety success, EyeSight got even better
Following its 2008 debut, Subaru introduced Advanced EyeSight (version 2) driving support system in 2010. This new EyeSight refined the features of the previous EyeSight system. The operating system now had safer Pre-Collision Braking Control. This stops the vehicle if it detects the risk of frontal collision, with the intent of avoiding the collision or reducing any potential collision damage.
In addition, it had an upgraded all-speed range adaptive cruise control system. EyeSight was now able to stop the car if the vehicle in front slowed down or stopped unexpectedly. These new features would not only add to the list of existing safety assistance, but also lower the risks usually considered in context with certain driving circumstances such as slow or high-volume traffic situations.
This new technology improvement was ultimately awarded the 2010/2011 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Technology of the Year award. But Subaru engineers forged ahead to make more advancements in EyeSight technology.
After a few years, EyeSight upgraded to a color stereo camera in 2014. More technological refinements were made to the core features of the Subaru EyeSight. Subaru remains at the head of the pack in safety operating systems because it is a huge part of their brand.
By 2016, 1 million EyeSight equipped Subarus were sold worldwide
Then, in 2017 Subaru introduced a new upgrade. Subaru EyeSight added the new Touring Assist function in Japan. The safety technology was now more advanced than ever. It greatly reduced driver stress even at low speeds, for driving in traffic. The new touring assist added more safety for “real-world settings.” This new version also included reverse automatic braking.
Following that release, Subaru won another award in 2018. The EyeSight Driver Assist System won the President’s Award from the Japan Techno-Economics Society. Because EyeSight continues to improve, it remains one of the key features of Subaru models.
2020 EyeSight.
Today, EyeSight is known for the set of dual color cameras. Thoughtfully placed in a hidden spot by the rearview mirror, they survey the road for anything unexpected. This advanced safety operating system proves itself with a history of performance. It provides drivers with an edge, which gives them peace of mind behind the wheel.
The 2020 Outback includes the refined operating system. This model introduces the new DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The steady improvements made in Subaru safety technology are a part of the brand itself, so we will see more from Subaru EyeSight in the coming years.
