SOUTHFIELD, Mich. An Israeli company is eying the U.S. bus industry for its high-tech accident avoidance system.

Called AWACS (for advanced warning system), the technology is designed to avoid accidents when a driver's loss of attention -- perhaps from punching in a number on a cell phone, responding to a passenger question, daydreaming or even fatigue -- has impaired safety.

The system works by providing a warning to the driver when a dangerous situation is identified. The system issues a warning for three key hazards: lane departure, headway monitoring and forward collision.

The manufacturer says it is the only system in the world that provides three applications in a single processor, based on image-processing technology.

The system uses a forward-looking camera that typically is attached to the inside of the front windshield (the "observer"), and unique image-processing technology.

The compact camera captures data in pixels. The data is sent through a cable to a small processing unit. The processing platform uses proprietary algorithms to determine the vehicle position in relation to lane markings and the speed and position of surrounding objects relative to the vehicle.

When the system identifies a hazard, the information is processed in real time and turned into a verbal or sound warning, and into a visual warning that is shown on a display installed near the driver.

For example, if a driver gets too close to the lane markings without having engaged the turn signal, a rumble strip sound comes from the left or right radio speaker, depending on which lane marking the vehicle is moving toward.

There is a different audible warning when another vehicle is too close in the driver's headway.

The system was developed by Mobileye, a Jerusalem-based company that says it is a world leader in image-processing application development for traffic accident prevention.

The Mobileye technology has been tested by European, Japanese and U.S. automakers, and is being adopted for advanced models from BMW (series 5 and 6) and General Motor (Cadillac and Buick). The company says other automobile manufacturers also will be using the system.

In the BMW adaptation of the system, the steering wheel vibrates, creating a feeling similar to the rumble strips on the shoulders of highways.

Aftermarket installations are available for over-the-road buses and trucks.

More information at www.mobileye.com.