CHERRY HILL, NJ – Subaru of America will debut its new EyeSight driver assistance safety system at the New York Auto Show in its 2013-MY Legacy and Outback models. EyeSight combines adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and a vehicle lane departure warning feature in a single system.

The EyeSight system uses two charge-coupled device cameras (developed by Subaru), which are mounted inside the vehicle on the upper edge of the windshield. This placement reduces the potential for damage to the system that could occur in bumper-mounted systems, according to Subaru.

The system processes stereo images in order to identify other vehicles up ahead, in addition to obstacles, traffic lanes, and other on-road features. The system then relays the video information it collects to the EyeSight computer. The computer is networked with the car’s brake system and electronic throttle control. At speeds below 19 mph, the EyeSight system can detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path and help reduce the chance of collision via a warning or slowing (or stopping) the vehicle. A driver can also turn it off temporarily, for example when off-road or rough road travel.

Eyesight is able to bring the car to a complete stop, for example via adaptive cruise control. The system is fully operational from 1-87 mph and can completely bring the vehicle to a stop if the system "locks on" to a vehicle in front.

The lane departure and sway warning system monitors lane markers and lines and can detect if the vehicle moves outside those markings. Using the turn signal cancels the warning.

In heavy traffic, the EyeSight system will alert the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved if he or she doesn't react within several seconds. The technology can also help reduce collision damage by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front but the driver is still depressing the accelerator pedal.

The system is also capable of warning the driver if he or she accidentally shifts into drive instead of reverse when attempting to back out of a parking space. The stereo camera design of EyeSight provides a wide detection angle, according to the company.

The automaker said it plans to add this system to other models in its lineup in the future.