What is ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)?
ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is not a new technology in cars but it is one that is still emerging and about which many drivers are not yet educated. As ADAS expands (and trust us, it is growing), so does the need for education about the benefits for drivers. Lifewire explains what ADAS systems are, “Automotive safety technology is pretty easy to wrap your head around, but advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are a little harder to pin down. At this point, the debate over whether anti-lock brakes are really necessary is pretty much nonexistent, but most technologies classified as ADAS are still seen as luxuries or even amusing curiosities. The issue is that advanced driver assistance systems are systems and features that provide a driver with essential information, automate difficult or repetitive tasks, with the goal of engendering an overall increase in car safety for everyone on the road. Since these systems are so varied, it isn’t always easy to see how some of them actually relate to safety. Some advanced driver assistance systems have been around for a long time, and they have already proven time and time again to result in an improved driving experience or better overall road safety.” Lifewire goes on to note that there are ADAS features that include things like adaptive cruise control (think: car can speed up or slow down based on what the cars around you are doing), adaptive light control, automatic braking, automatic parking, blind spot detection, collision avoidance systems, driver drowsiness detection, GPS navigation, hill descent control, intelligent speed adaptation, lane departure warning system, night vision, and tire pressure monitoring. All of these features are designed to benefit the driver, and they do.
How Does ADAS Benefit Drivers?
All of the features previously mentioned are beneficial to drivers because they improve general road safety, vision, and help prevent or lessen the severity of accidents. And, while they take some getting used to, these features can benefit any driver with the proper education and practice. Just like you would not expect a teenager to start driving a car perfectly the first time, cars with ADAS need a little practice before the fullness of their benefits can be realized. As more and more cars come with ADAS, drivers need to familiarize themselves with the features and enjoy the many safety benefits ADAS has to offer.
