ADAS explained (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

Modern cars possess safety equipment to avoid crashes. This has to be welcomed. Yet, some manufacturers exaggerate these systems' capabilities, leading some drivers to believe that the car can drive itself. This is not the case. According to Thatcham Research, this misapprehension has resulted in lost lives. Therefore, we should see through the hype and consider that (at the time of writing in mid-2023), the fully autonomous car is still many years away.

The safe driver should consider these systems as aids and that the human should remain in full control, as is our legal responsibility.

What is ADAS and why has it appeared?

ADAS is a general collective term that references a host of features, not one particular item. Since 2014, Euro NCAP required carmakers to fit Autonomous Emergency Brake and both lane/speed-keeping to attain the highest scores. More systems are being introduced and manufacturers seem keen to fit them, especially to bolster their products' Euro NCAP results.

What ADAS systems are there?

Dependent on the car manufacturer, ADAS features have different names and may function in different ways. Even systems between similar cars might work using different inputs.

While a future blog will look at how these systems work and how they should be maintained, the following list provides an overview of ADAS features available in the current market.

Your car may have some, or all, of these systems. A way of checking is to ask your main dealer about your individual car's specifications. Alternatively, a workshop can

identify which ADAS control units are present in your car, by scanning them with diagnostic equipment.

360° Camera View

These comprise cameras fitted to the front, side and door mirrors that enhance visibility, by providing a bird's-eye view of the car's surroundings.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

ACC controls the engine and brakes to maintain a driver-set distance behind the vehicle in front.

Adaptive Light Control

Adaptive headlights identify oncoming objects to control the main and dip beams. They work using various methods, including physical shutters within the headlamp. The most recent LED matrix headlamps deactivate individual LEDs to maintain optimum visibility, without dazzling oncoming traffic.

Auto Park Assist

The car uses multiple sensors to identify a suitable parking space size. It can then perform the parking manoeuvre, which the driver can cancel at any time.

Remote parking, such as Volkswagen's Park Assist Plus, allows the occupant to get out and control the manoeuvre legally with a mobile 'phone app.

Auto Night Vision

This technology displays an image on an LCD screen within the cabin to enhance the driver's visibility in the dark.

Blind Spot Monitor

The vehicle detects short-range objects within the traditional blind spot. While this makes life more comfortable for drivers, it is especially useful for those people who struggle to look over their shoulders.

Cross-traffic (and intersection) Assist

When reversing from parking spaces, or negotiating junctions, the car detects and warns the driver about approaching vehicles.

E-mirrors

These systems replace a reflective internal mirror with an LCD screen. Aiding aerodynamics and reducing wind noise are reasons why some Battery Electric Vehicles adopt them, such as the Honda e. However, it has other practical uses, too. Ford has offered the system for certain new and used Transit and Transit Connect vans that possess solid bulkheads behind the front seats.

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

A swift emergency application results in the brake pedal needing less pressure to depress. Unusually, these systems tend to work mechanically, using a specially-designed master cylinder.

Auto brake / Forward Collision Warning

This system warns the driver of an impending collision. Should the driver not respond, it might apply the brakes. Should it detect that an impact is likely, it may activate the seat belt pre-tensioners.

Lane Assist

While lane departure warning systems warn the driver about a lane drift, Lane Keep Assist applies a degree of corrective steering lock. This can be disconcerting, especially on a country lane, or if the system misreads the road markings.

Pedestrian/cyclist recognition

Spotting pedestrians and cyclists requires extra processing power, to identify and track the object's type, plus its movement and distance.

Road/speed sign recognition

These systems identify road speed signs and display them on the dashboard to discourage unintentional speeding. Some versions reduce the vehicle's speed in response.

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