Automatically deployable vehicle safety guards

Abstract

The safety guards (55, 58) are configured to extend beneath the body (7) of the vehicle (2) for engaging animate and inanimate objects to prevent the passage of the objects beneath the vehicle (2). A detection system is provided that includes a plurality of sensors (60, 62) configured to sense objects around the vehicle (2) and a controller (288) for analyzing the likelihood of at least an animate object beneath the vehicle (2). The analysis can result in repositioning the safety guards (55, 58) from a raised, stowed position during normal operation of the vehicle (2) to a lowered, deployed position upon establishing a physical barrier spaced from the road surface a distance that prevents the ingress of animate objects beneath the vehicle (2). The analysis can also result in issuance of an audible or visual warning (300) and / or automatic control of at least one other vehicle control system.

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