How Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are Improving Roadway Safety

It wasn’t that long ago when features like cruise control and anti-lock braking became standard in most vehicles. Now we have technology like back-up cameras, smart parking, and even vehicles that can drive themselves. While you may not be able to buy a fully self-driving vehicle, some of this technology has quickly been adopted into mainstream vehicles in the last few years to improve overall driver safety through features like crash prevention, lane assist, and object detection.

These features are known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which use technology like radar, video or ultrasonic sensors to monitor the surrounding area of a vehicle. ADAS helps increase the driver reaction time by detecting potential collisions and even making corrections automatically.

ADAS can help you with steering, braking, and acceleration while driving at highway speeds all the way down to a full stop. As a result, these features not only help with overall roadway safety, they are very convenient in traffic congestion situations or long hours on the highway making them a popular choice in new vehicle purchases.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error is a factor in 94% of motor vehicle accidents. Although it's important to understand there are several factors that are considered "driver error" including distracted driving. Nonetheless, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have the potential to greatly improve roadway safety. They help by increasing reaction times and autonomously assisting the driver to prevent or reduce the severity of crashes.

ADAS vs Self Driving

It's important to understand the distinction between ADAS technology and fully self-driving features found in some manufacturers like Tesla. ADAS technologies are designed to help reduce the risk while driving, not take over the task of driving. Ultimately, it's up to you to understand the correct use of these systems. There are a variety of ADAS technologies available that have varying capabilities, depending on the manufacturer.

Collision Warnings

ADAS system designed to scan and monitor the vehicle surroundings and alert the driver of an impending issue. Alerts are delivered through an sounds, lights, or haptic feedback through the steering wheel.

Forward Collision Warning - System that uses radar, lasers, or cameras to detect other vehicles in the front area of the driver's vehicle. It's designed to warn you if you are about to crash into an impending vehicle or object.

Lane Departure Warning - System designed to warn you if your vehicle begins to move or drift out of the current lane. Using a turn signal typically overrides the warning.

Rear Cross Traffic Warning - While the vehicle is in reverse, this system alerts the driver if another vehicle or object is approaching from either direction and outside the view of the backup camera.

Blind Spot Warning - System designed to detect other vehicles in adjacent lanes that the driver may not see while making a lane change. The vehicle will alert the driver through vibration, warning lights on side mirrors, and even lights on the dash.

Collision Intervention

ADAS system designed to actively engage to prevent an impending issue on behalf of the driver. Alerts may still delivered through an sounds, lights, or haptic feedback through the steering wheel.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) - System that identifies when a possible collision is about to occur and responds by autonomously activating the brakes in time to avoid or mitigate an impending forward crash with another vehicle.

Pedestrian AEB - System that uses forward sensors to detect if a pedestrian is in the vehicle's path and responds by autonomously activating the brakes in time to avoid the collision.

Rear AEB - When the vehicle is travelling in reverse at a low speed, such as when parking, if the system detects a potential collision, it will respond by autonomously activating the brakes in time to avoid the collision.

Blind Spot Intervention - System designed to warn the driver when a vehicle is detected in the vehicle's blind spot. If you start to change lanes, the system autonomously applies steering input to guide the vehicle back to the original lane.

Driving Control Assistance

ADAS system designed to actively engage to prevent an impending issue on behalf of the driver. Alerts may still delivered through an sounds, lights, or haptic feedback through the steering wheel.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - System that automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to help maintain a safe following distance with the vehicle in front of you while allowing you to set the number of car lengths and adjust speed.

Lane Centering Assistance - System that uses radar, lasers, or cameras to monitor the vehicle's lane position and autonomously applies steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered within its lane.

Lane Keeping Assistance - System that detects when a vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane and autonomously applies steering, braking, or acceleration to return the vehicle to its original lane of travel.

Each year, more vehicles are being equipped and sold with these safety systems. Some of these features are built standard in specific vehicle makes and models while others can be added through aftermarket retailers. Visit mycardoeswhat.org to learn more about which technologies are available from each manufacturer.

Safety Concerns

Our attorneys and staff at Odegaard Injury Lawyers have been helping people seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents or while working on the job. Through our 100+ years of experience, we've seen thousands of families suffer from accidents. While we are proud to have helped these families get their life back, it would be better if the accident never happened in the first place.

While it's impossible to prevent every accident from happening, our firm will continue to post safety related tips and articles to help keep you and your family safe. Should you need help, we'll answer the call!