Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or Electronic safety systems

Scope

Management, drivers, and employers will benefit from thoughtful planning of proper equipment acquisition.

Regulatory citations

• None

Key definitions

• None

Summary of requirements

The use of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and other electronic safety systems can be very beneficial, but the capabilities, shortcomings, and differences between systems, as well as proper use of the data to maximize benefits must be understood.

Here is a list of some of the systems available, along with a short description of each:

• Adaptive cruise control (ACC). A data intensive system that works with other safety systems, such as a forward collision warning(FCW) or automated emergency braking (AEB) systems. The ACC system will communicate with the engine to increase or decrease the vehicle’s cruising speed from that set by the driver via fuel inputs or based on the cruising speed of the vehicle in front of it. The driver should set the ACC to the greatest following distance.
• Automated emergency braking (AEB). The system will slow or defuel the engine and/or apply brakes if a vehicle gets too close to minimize the effect of a collision, even when adaptive cruise control (ACC) is not activated.
• Blindspot monitoring system (BMS). These systems provide the driver with an audible and/or visual warning if the driver turns on the turn signal and another vehicle is next to the vehicle. A related system is the side view or auxiliary camera system. These provide the driver with visibility into the blind spot by providing a panoramic view of the side of the vehicle using a screen mounted on the vehicle’s left and right windshield posts. Some BMS' are will trigger automated braking.
• Forward collision warning systems (FCW). These systems use radar, sonar, infrared, or laser technology to warn the driver when the vehicle is getting "too close" to another vehicle or an object.
• Lane departure warning systems (LDWS). LDWS use video technology to alert the driver if the vehicle is departing its lane without the turn signal active. The system is designed to help the driver avoid "wandering" into other traffic lanes or leaving the roadway.
• Roll stability systems (RSS). RSS use yaw and roll sensors to sense if the vehicle is approaching the edge of its stability envelope. If the vehicle becomes unstable the system communicates with the engine, telling it to reduce power to avoid a rollover. In some vehicles the system will even make "intelligent" braking decisions to stabilize the vehicle.

For more information on vehicle safety systems review the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems topic in the Institute.