Rapid technology-driven innovation has the potential to make driving easier and our roads safer and more efficient. One such technology is Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems or ADAS, designed to aid various aspects of driving and enhance on-road safety.
Here we look at common ADAS functionalities and how the systems work from advanced cruise control to lane warning systems, emergency braking features and rear traffic alerts. These systems undeniably enable improved risk management and safer roads proving of extreme value to Australia's freight transport, heavy vehicle trucking industry and commercial fleet vehicle operators and employee drivers
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) incorporate a suite of safety technologies integrated into vehicles, which augment the driver's skills and awareness. ADAS monitor the vehicle's surroundings in real time with the help of sensors, radar, cameras and other components.
These systems continuously collect data about the vehicle's environment, including proximity to other vehicles, road markings, traffic signs and pedestrians. On-board computers process this data and if a potential threat is detected ADAS can alert drivers by applying automatic emergency braking systems or dashboard alerts such as Lane Departure Warnings (LDW).
It's important to note that ADAS are viewed as a driving assistant and safeguard, not a fully autonomous driving system. A driver must always remain vigilant and engaged.
There are several features of ADAS that are becoming more common to vehicles manufactured in the past decade, each with associated pros and cons.
Adaptive cruise control uses sensors like radar or Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) to build on traditional cruise control. The sensors monitor the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead and can automatically adjust the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe driving distance, even in varying traffic conditions, something conventional cruise control cannot do.
Drivers can set a maximum speed and following distance in the system. Once the vehicle in front slows down, the system automatically reduces your vehicle's speed to maintain the set distance.
While both of these features function separately, they work together to ensure your vehicle is in the correct lane. The LDW system tracks lane markings with the help of cameras and alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. LKA helps keep the car in its specific lane by actively steering the vehicle.
Sometimes drivers respond too late to sudden braking by the vehicle in front, leading to rear-end collisions. Driver distraction is also a significant cause of these accidents.
Using sensors the FCW system monitors the distance between your vehicle and the one in front and alerts the driver immediately if it detects an imminent collision. EAB takes this a step farther by applying the brakes autonomously to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash.
Drivers who have difficulties registering vehicles or obstacles in their blind spot can have accidents. With BSM this risk can be reduced by using sensors that detect vehicles in your blind spots and issue warning alerts.
While there are multiple rear view mirrors in most vehicles, drivers can still accidentally collide with vehicles or pedestrians. The RCTA system monitors approaching vehicles or pedestrians from the sides when reversing and alerts the driver if a collision is imminent.
ADAS contribute to driver awareness, helping to reduce accidents and enhance driver and road safety. By providing real-time information about traffic, pedestrians and obstacles, they enable drivers to respond faster and so reduce avoidable incidents.
Given most road accidents are the result of human errors, ADAS can compensate for momentary lapses in concentration such as distractions, and fatigue and timing errors. Enhanced driver awareness through ADAS can contribute to reducing injuries, collision damage and disruption to traffic flows.
Government figures show that road deaths in Australia have declined over the past decade. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) sees safer vehicles as a key element in this decrease.1
Gallagher offers businesses of all sizes end-to-end fleet risk management services, including gap analysis, incident and claims analysis, and tailored fleet insurance. We support a large volume of transport sector clients with insurance and risk services and can offer expertise and insight to any business needs in this area.
1Safety, Federal Chamber of Automotive industries , accessed 29 November 2023.
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