A smart horn comprises a sensor 10 which receives a signal, a filter 12 which analyses the signal according to given properties and then provides a warning. The signal is embodied as any of a sound wave (another cars horn), a radio signal or a proximity sensor. The warning is preferably a visual warning 18 which may take the form of LEDs arranged in the steering column (figure 4) or within an instrument cluster. The received signal may indicate a movement towards the vehicle by an object. Also disclosed is a device by which upon a driver pressing a horn a proximity sensor determines if there is an object (i.e. a pedestrian) in proximity to the vehicle; if there is sounds the horn is sounded and if not then the radio transmitter is triggered. The purpose of the invention is to enable drivers (e.g. deaf, surrounded by loud music, out of sight of hazard) to be aware of other vehicles warning signals and to reduce noise pollution caused by car horns.
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