SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DETECTING HAZARDS OF A LEADING VEHICLE

Systems and methods are provided to implement detecting a leading vehicle hazard. System and methods visually ascertain if certain driver risk factors are exhibited by a proceeding vehicle (and driver) that indicate the vehicle is potentially hazardous, such as obtaining images of an expired license plate on the vehicle. In response, a vehicle performs a computer-controlled maneuver so as to safely evade the potentially hazardous leading vehicle, thereby substantively lowering the potential of a dangerous collision with said vehicle which can lead to loss, damage, and/or bodily injury. For example, a system can include a vehicle sensor capturing image data of a leading vehicle. The system can also include a controller device that determines whether the leading vehicle is a hazard based on the image data, and generates a vehicle command that effectuates a computer-controlled automated driving maneuver or automated driving action to avoid collision with the leading vehicle.