What You Need to Know About Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Though advanced driver assistance systems are considered a modern marvel when it comes to driving, there are some concerns being raised about them. These newer hands-free vehicle systems do provide a higher level of safety, there’s no question about that, but some believe they can cause additional distractions as well. Hands-free calling, texting, GPS, and other modern, high-tech features take our minds off traffic, especially in the evening hours, which heightens the possibility of drivers losing focus.
Winston-Salem, NC made the news recently, as both television and print outlets all over the state (including Charlotte) have reported on the dangers of distracted driving, citing specific accidents in areas around town. Though some of the information provided in these reports was a bit cherry-picked, much of what was reported is insightful information. For instance, did you know that from 9 pm to 11:59 pm on Friday and Saturday nights is the most dangerous time to be on the road? Whether you are driving through a small or big town, a congested or seemingly open road, there are plenty of ways to become distracted while driving, and this report points to the fact that advancements in the way we drive are not necessarily eliminating distractions–conversely, they may be enhancing them.
What Are Driver Assistance Systems?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, are various technologies created to improve the driving experience, namely, to promote vehicle safety. This process involves the implementation of automated assistance to the driver to help reduce the possibility of human error. This is done by using sensors, cameras, radar, and other advanced tech features to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings at all times and to assist in various driving tasks–such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure assistance, automatic emergency braking, and parking assistance. But are these systems doing too much for us? Are they causing us to pay less attention to the technicalities of driving and spending more time letting our minds wander?
For some car companies, like Toyota, these advanced systems are nothing new, though they are often updated. The availability of specific assistance features can depend on the trim level and options chosen for each vehicle, but a variety of them can be found in most versions of Toyota’s Camry, RAV4, Corolla, Highlander, Tacoma, Prius, Avalon, and Sienna.
Before we get into some details on how these systems work, and how we can keep from letting our minds wander while they are in use, let’s have a look into how incorporating ADAS provides clear benefits both drivers and passengers:
- Improved Safety: we can already see how ADAS helps prevent car accidents by providing safety assistance to drivers through the use of emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- Enhanced Convenience: ADAS can make the driving experience more comfortable and less stressful by assisting with tasks such as maintaining a safe distance behind other vehicles, keeping your vehicle centered in its lane, and aiding in parking maneuvers, such as the dreaded parallel parking.
- Reduced Driver Fatigue: by incorporating ADAS, drivers can get alerts and assistance when necessary if experiencing fatigue. These technologies can keep drivers from falling asleep and/or get them to pay attention to certain aspects of driving–for instance, if there is flooding, icy conditions, animals crossing, etc.
- Potential Insurance Discounts: some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with ADAS, as these technologies have already proven their ability to reduce the likelihood of accidents and even minimize potential damage in the case of an actual collision.
- Environmental Benefits: certain features of ADAS, such as adaptive cruise control, can help with fuel efficiency by maintaining a consistent speed and following distance. Over time, this can lead to a drastic reduction in fuel consumption. Lower emissions means your car is better for the environment, and you are able to save money by visiting the gas station less often.
- Assistance for Drivers with Disabilities: ADAS can provide helpful assistance to drivers with disabilities by helping them operate aspects of the vehicle through automated prompting, the use of warning lights, etc. It can also assist those with limited mobility by setting itself to take care of things like the usage of blinkers and headlights without the prompting of the driver.
Clearly, ADAS plays a crucial role in improving road safety and enhancing the driving experience, and this process of technological integration is only starting–who knows what the future holds! But how do we keep from losing focus since ADAS does so much of the work for us? To be honest, it doesn’t take special training or working through a series of steps. Focused driving simply requires a change in the way we communicate with our vehicle: though your car can now do more for you than ever before, it’s necessary to watch the processes take place. For instance, rather than constantly looking around your car as you drive alongside other vehicles on the highway, keep your attention on the dash and on your side mirrors, and let the ADAS system communicate to you what is going on through the sounds and images it shouts out to you. Always keep in mind that Advanced Driver Assistance Programs are meant to make driving easier, but they are not meant to take over completely. The same amount of attention is needed while driving, but now a lot of that attention can be directed to listening to what your car is telling you. You and your vehicle should be working in tandem to create a safe, enjoyable drive.
How ADAS Works
Integrated systems such as ADAS are quite complicated, but gaining a basic understanding of how they work can better inform drivers on how and when to use them. On the most basic level, ADAS uses a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, lidar, and software algorithms to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. All of these technologies are used to assist the driver. Here is a general overview of how it all works:
- Sensors and Cameras–
Small sensors and cameras are strategically placed around the vehicle so that they can continuously collect data on the car’s surroundings, including nearby vehicles, pedestrians, road markings, traffic signs, and obstacles.
- Data Processing–
The data collected by sensors and cameras are processed in real time through the use of onboard computers. These computers use special algorithms to analyze the data received in order to identify objects on or around the road, detect potential hazardous situations, and assess the vehicle’s position in relation to the road and other vehicles.
- Decision Making–
Once incoming data has been processed, ADAS makes decisions about the appropriate actions to take so that the driver is assisted, and safety mechanisms are enhanced. For example, if it is detected that the vehicle is drifting in and out of its lane without signaling, lane departure warnings and/or the steering assistant may be employed to alert the driver and to keep the vehicle in its proper placement on the road.
- Driver Feeback and Intervention–
One of the great aspects of this sort of enhanced driving system is that ADAS provides feedback to the driver through visual, auditory, and haptic alerts in order to inform them of potential hazards in the moment. Not only that, but in some cases ADAS can also intervene directly by applying the brakes, adjusting steering, and even controlling the vehicle’s speed.
- Integration with Vehicle Controls–
Most often, Advanced Driver Assistance is integrated with the vehicle’s existing control systems–like braking, steering, and throttle–so that there is active vehicle control when necessary without the prompting of the driver. Essentially, this means that ADAS does not have to wait for human interaction for it to kick in. This makes sense if you are heading towards danger without knowing it, you want your vehicle to know to apply the brakes whether your foot hits the brake pad or not.
- Continuous Monitoring and Improvement–
What’s so great about ADAS is that it is continuously working. It is always monitoring the vehicle’s surroundings and performance–even if you are not–and it knows how to adapt and change driving conditions, and this effectiveness has actually improved over time. Manufacturers regularly update ADAS software to enhance performance, address potential issues, and introduce new safety features.
One other feature we like about the incorporation of ADAS is that if repairs or calibration are needed for the ADAS system in Toyota vehicles, a quick trip to the dealership is all that is required. Once on site, a certified technician can calibrate and/or repair any necessary areas. And there is no guesswork here, as your ADAS will let you know if there are necessary repairs or adjustments needed so that there is no compromise in the effectiveness of the system.
Driving is still about having fun and enjoying the open road but be careful driving your new Toyota Camry or Tundra. The hands-free features are terrific, but your mind still needs to be on the road. Take advantage of ADAS by letting your car communicate with you!
