Subaru of America Inc. has released a new and improved version of its popular EyeSight driver assistance system. The system now features color stereo cameras that deliver an approximately 40% longer and wider detection range, brake light detection and can fully function when the speed differential between the Eyesight-equipped car and another vehicle is up to 30 miles per hour — up from 19 miles per hour.

The current generation Eyesight system earned the highest rating given by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) when the IIHS conducted its first test of accident avoidance technology last year, according to Subaru.

Mounted inside the car on the upper edge of the windshield, housing for the new Eyesight system is 15% smaller, says Subaru. The system processes stereo images to identify obstacles, traffic lanes and other items. When the video information is transmitted to the EyeSight computer, it is also networked with the car’s braking system and electronic throttle control.

In addition, EyeSight can detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If the driver has not applied the brakes, the system can slow the vehicle or bring it to a full stop to help avoid a potential collision, says Subaru.

Blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear-cross traffic alert are also debuting in Subaru models later this year, says Subaru.