Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, better known as ADAS is a combination of technologies that work towards making driving safer. After all, almost all vehicle accidents are caused by human error and by mitigating that, our roads get safer.
How does ADAS work?
ADAS is essentially a step towards autonomous driving as the vehicle is able to control multiple functions involved in driving and take decisions that improve overall driving and safety. System uses cameras, sensors and radar to read the surrounding and processes this data in real time which are then routed through electronic controller units to control various features of a vehicle.
Common ADAS applications
Adaptive Cruise Control: ACC as it is commonly known is particularly helpful while out on the highway. The system allows the car to match speeds with the vehicle in front and also come to complete halt if required. The driver doesn’t need to constantly start and stop cruise control any longer.
Adaptive Light Control: This system allows the vehicle’s lights to be automatically controlled depending on external lighting conditions. This includes automatically switching from high beam to low beam when it senses a vehicle coming towards it from the opposite direction.
Blind Spot Monitoring: Blind spot detection systems use sensors to provide drivers with a larger field of vision that would have otherwise been impossible to see. System can sense approaching vehicles on either side and signal to the driver that there is indeed an obstacle in their blind spot through an alarm as well as a visual prompt on the dashboard.
Automatic Emergency Braking: The vehicle can automatically apply the brakes in order to avoid or mitigate an accident when it senses a stopped vehicle in front and the driver has not responded. The system also takes preventive measures and tightens the seatbelt as well as sounds off an alarm to get the driver’s attention. New systems can detect pedestrians and cyclists as well.
Lane Keep Assist: Vehicle can sense lines of the lane and keep the vehicle centred between two lines. Advanced systems can read even fading lines in order to effectively work. Steering usually vibrates, should the driver’s attention wane and the vehicle steers away from the centre.
Lane Departure Warning: Should the vehicle cross into another lane without signalling, the steering automatically turns in the opposite direction with a simple nudge. The driver can override this; however, it lets the driver know that they have stepped out of their lane and should be more careful.
Driver Monitoring System: Cameras within the cabin monitor the driver’s eyes to confirm whether they are focused on the road or are drifting. In the event that the system feels that the driver isn’t attentive, it will sound off an alarm and in extreme cases it can bring the vehicle to a halt if the driver doesn’t respond.
