Ola Takes a Step Forward in Rider Safety with Helmet Detection System
How does it work?
Ola Electric, an electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India, is developing a vehicle helmet detection system to enhance rider safety. The system utilizes a camera to determine whether the rider is wearing a helmet.
This information is then relayed to the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), equivalent to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) in internal combustion engine vehicles. The VCU communicates with the Motor Control Unit to decide whether the car should be in Ride mode.
Park Mode
Suppose the rider does not wear a helmet while in Ride mode, the electric vehicle (EV) will automatically switch to Park mode. Once in Park mode, a notification will be displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard, reminding the rider to wear a helmet.
When the system detects the rider wearing a helmet, the VCU will allow the electric scooter or bike to switch back to Ride mode. The method continues to monitor the rider while in Ride mode.
TVS
TVS, another two-wheeler manufacturer, has also announced the development of a camera-based helmet reminder system. However, in TVS’ case, the system provides a warning message to the rider without locking the vehicle in Park mode.
This helmet detection system is a proactive approach by Ola Electric to promote rider safety and encourage the use of helmets while riding their electric two-wheelers.
Here is how the system works:
- The camera on the scooter detects whether the rider is wearing a helmet.
- The system signals the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) if the rider is not wearing a helmet.
- The VCU then sends an alert to the Motor Control Unit (MCU), which stops the scooter from running.
- The scooter will remain in Park mode until the rider wears a helmet.
The helmet detection system is still under development, but Ola is confident it will be ready for production shortly.
The company believes the system will help to improve rider safety and reduce the number of head injuries on Indian roads.
- Encourages riders to wear helmets. Helmets are one of the most effective ways to protect riders from head injuries in the event of an accident. However, many riders in India do not wear helmets, either because they do not think they are necessary or because they do not want to wear them. Ola’s helmet detection system can encourage riders to wear helmets by making it more difficult to ride without one.
- Reduces the risk of head injuries. Helmets are very effective at preventing head injuries. By encouraging riders to wear helmets, Ola’s helmet detection system can help reduce head injuries on Indian roads.
- Makes roads safer for everyone. Riders wearing helmets are less likely to be seriously injured in an accident. This benefits the rider and other road users, such as drivers and pedestrians. By reducing the number of head injuries, Ola’s helmet detection system can help to make roads safer for everyone.
In addition to these benefits, Ola’s helmet detection system is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to improve rider safety. The system is based on a camera, which is a relatively inexpensive component.
The system also requires no additional infrastructure, such as sensors or roadside equipment. This makes it a practical and scalable solution for improving rider safety in India.
Conclusion
The introduction of a helmet detection system by Ola is a positive step towards improving rider safety in India. Helmets are one of the most effective ways to protect riders from head injuries in the event of an accident.
However, many riders in India do not wear helmets, either because they do not think they are necessary or because they do not want to wear them. Ola’s helmet detection system can help to encourage riders to wear helmets by making it more difficult to ride without one.
The success of Ola’s helmet detection system will depend on a number of factors, including the system’s effectiveness, the price of the system, and the level of government support for the system. However, if the system is successful, it could positively impact rider safety in India and help save lives.
