2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid

By: Mary Smith
Staff Writer
Published: Aug 24, 2009

2010 Safety Features For Lexus HS 250h Hybrid Vehicle

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid safety features come with much safety and security features. Beginning with the visibility feature that uses specially designed front and rear viewing. This helps reveal hard-to-see areas. How many accidents have you almost gotten into because you were unable to see in your blind spots? When the vehicle is placed in reverse an available backup camera displays an enhanced rear view of what is behind the vehicle on the multi display screen.

A camera is mounted in the front grille to provide a 190-degree front view on the navigation screen with the push of a button on the dash. When the Lexus vehicle is put into reverse, the multi-information display shows an area behind the automobile captured by the backup camera. The Navigation System, is included with the available small camera above the rear license plate which offers a wide-angle view to improve the rear visibility at slow speeds and when backing up. This can assist you with parking and negotiating narrow spaces.

Second, is the Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning systems (LDW). The two Lexus systems use a camera that literally looks for lines painted on the road. Of course, it must be a well-maintained road with nicely painted lines, and it helps if you're going fast on a highway. The Lane Keep Assist will help you guide the vehicle to the center lane, even while the cruise control is activated. To help keep you from drifting out of your lane when cruise control is in operation, an available Lane Departure Warning System gives an audible warning. After this warning, it takes corrective steering action to help keep you in your lane. When cruise control is not engaged, the system sounds a warning if you drift out of your lane.

Third, the Lexus HS 250h has 10 airbags. It offers more airbags than any other sedan in its class. The front airbags are optimized to deploy at one of three speeds, according to such factors as impact severity. The 10 airbags are throughout its cabin and help protect you and your passengers in various types of severe frontal or side collisions. These include front- and rear-seat side curtain airbags (SRS), front seat-mounted side airbags (SRS), driver's and front passenger's knee airbags (SRS), rear seat-mounted side airbags and a dual-stage frontal airbag system (SRS)

Fourth, is the adaptive front lighting system. The (AFS) is used to illuminate more of the road while cornering. This is done by the headlamps pivoting toward the turn. When entering a corner, I-AFS technology estimates where the RX will be in 3 seconds time - based on vehicle speed and angle and adjusts the lateral aim of the headlights accordingly. Adjusting both low and high beams, this delivers the most appropriate light distribution patterns. For enhanced nighttime visibility, especially on winding roads, choose the Dual-swivel Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) (only available with LED headlamps). It can pivot the left headlamp up to 15 degrees and the right headlamp up to 10 degrees, helping to illuminate more of the road through turns. Headlamp washers are also available.

Fifth, is the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). This system helps to ensure stable cornering performance through the operation of the VSC actuator that provides braking control, and the throttle actuator that controls the engine output. Based on signals from the various sensors, such as the yaw rate sensor and the G sensor, the ECU determines if the vehicle is under steering or over steering and outputs control signals to the actuators. These actuators then decrease the engine output and/or apply the brake(s) to the front or rear wheel(s) to reduce the vehicle's yaw moment.

Last, is the Pre-Collision System with a Driver Attention Monitor. This system was first developed by Toyota in 2006. This system uses a millimeter-wave radar sensor to detect an impending collision. The HS 250h reacts by retracting the front seat belts and preparing Brake Assist for increased brake force when the driver steps hard on the brake pedal. When this available forward-thinking safety feature detects an object ahead while the driver isn't facing the road, it begins a set of warning beeps and if necessary, lightly taps the brakes to get the driver's attention.

When it deems a collision is imminent, it can automatically prime the brakes to help reduce crash energy. In 2008, the Toyota Crown system went further and can detect if the driver is becoming sleepy by monitoring the driver's eyes. Technology has come a long way, and believe it or not, there are even more safety features including rain sensing wipers, active front headrest, structural reinforcements and safety connect. The 2010 Lexus HS Hybrid safety features are ahead of its class.