A computing device for a vehicle proximity condition detection and haptic notification system is provided. The computing device includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to operate, upon detection of a vehicle proximity condition, at least one portion of the vehicle as a haptic device in a user-selected manner directed to informing a vehicle occupant of the vehicle proximity condition, and directed to suggesting to the occupant a vehicle control command that is responsive to the proximity condition.

A computing device for a vehicle proximity condition detection and haptic notification system is provided. The computing device includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to operate, upon detection of a vehicle proximity condition, at least one portion of the vehicle as a haptic device in a user-selected manner directed to informing a vehicle occupant of the vehicle proximity condition, and directed to suggesting to the occupant a vehicle control command that is responsive to the proximity condition.

In a method for detecting the road condition for a vehicle, the following steps are performed: a vehicle dynamics variable describing the dynamics of the motor vehicle is detected while the vehicle is driving; the vehicle dynamics variable is subjected to a frequency analysis; and a road condition variable describing the instantaneous roughness of the roadway surface is ascertained as a function of the frequency analysis of the vehicle dynamics variable.