Learning About ADAS: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
By Kijiji Autos
Cars are becoming increasingly sophisticated every year. Not only are they made safer and more efficient, but smarter too. Technology has turned cars into rolling computers, and a primary benefit is a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
How do driver assists work?
ADAS utilize sensors, cameras and other electronics throughout the car to increase driver comfort and safety. They can typically be divided into three categories:
- Increased driver information (back-up cameras, night vision)
- Preventative safety (emergency braking)
- Ease of use (adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights or wipers)
Increased driver info: more eyes on the road
A 2015 study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that roughly 94% of accidents happen due to driver error. A well-informed driver is a safer driver, and that’s why many driver assists focus on increasing the knowledge behind the wheel.
We can’t see every angle of our car at all times from the driver seat. Back-up cameras help us see behind the tailgate or trunk of our vehicles to avoid objects or people that may be hidden from the mirrors. They’re not only helpful but, as of 2018, they’re required by law on all new cars in Canada.
Some cars don’t just stop at one rear-facing camera, either. Select models will have a camera up front too, while others, such as certain Nissan models, use an array of cameras to provide drivers with a complete 360-degree view from the central infotainment screen.
Another popular feature is blind spot warning. This operates much like back-up cameras, but on the sides of the vehicle. If it senses a car in your blind spot, the system will emit a noise and/or flash a light in your side mirror to alert you it’s not safe to change lanes at the moment.
Select luxury cars also include features such as night vision and the ability to read road signs. That’s the sort of back-seat driver we want on trips!
Helping avoid accidents before they happen
One of the most popular ADAS in modern cars is emergency braking. This uses sensors to predict if a crash is imminent and applies full brake pressure almost instantly. Even the best drivers can’t match a computer’s reaction times.
Another important assist is driver drowsiness detection. It’s a big problem: Over 60% of Canadians admitted to driving while tired in a 2007 Transport Canada study. Some systems monitor steering input patterns to determine a driver’s attentiveness. Others even utilize a camera to monitor a driver’s face, recording eye or eyelid movement. If these systems detect a driver’s attention is flagging, they can emit light or sound warnings to encourage the driver to pull over and rest.
An easier drive equals less stress
Lastly, certain ADAS automate specific driving tasks. Two of the earliest—and still popular—are automated headlights and windshield wipers. These adapt to the current lighting and rain, respectively, without needing the driver’s input.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is another ADAS that’s picking up speed in the market (pun intended). This works by allowing the driver to set both the desired speed and safe distance. Once locked in, the car will brake or accelerate to keep the set distance while never going over the set speed. Some cars can even slow all the way down to a complete stop and get back up to highway speed with this system!
Various types of lane keep assists exist on the market today. These use sensors similar to blind-spot monitors and will alert drivers if they’re about to cross over the line. In some cases, the car will even apply a moderate amount of steering to keep the car in its current lane.
These last two systems, alongside other ADAS like sign/traffic recognition, will likely form the basis for the autonomous cars of the future.
Now that you’re familiar with adaptive driver assists, don’t forget to check out eight must-have tech features for your next vehicle. And once you’ve decided which specs you can’t live without, get a head start on your search on Kijiji Autos—we make finding your dream car easy.
![Man unloading wood from the bed of his pickup truck]()
10 popular work vehicles to consider
Built to provide rugged strength with a spacious and functional design, work vehicles help you overcome whatever challenges you might face throughout your day on the job site. Kijiji Autos makes it easy to browse and search through a wide selection of new and gently used work vehicles, so that...![5 thing to ask the mechanic during car inspection]()
The inspection: 5 things to ask the mechanic
The car ad may be appealing, the seller very nice, but when it comes to buying a used car, there’s nothing better than arranging for a basic inspection by a mechanic. After all, even if you’ve done your homework and examined the CARFAX Canada report that provides you with the vehicle’s complete...![8 things to know before buying a new car]()
8 things to know before buying a new car
Buying a car is an important step in life and requires sound planning. Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a new set of wheels. City or country Before buying a vehicle, you should first consider the environment in which you live. It seems obvious, but this basic information...![10 questions to ask your dealer before buying a new car]()
10 questions to ask your dealer before buying a new car
Here are 10 questions your dealer will be glad to answer and will help you find the information you need. 1. Do you have a car that meets my needs? This is a broad question but a good place to start because it means you have to define your own requirements. Do you need big towing capacity or...![Buyer's guide: 8 things to inspect when buying a used car]()
Buyers Guide: 8 things to inspect when buying a used car
There’s so much to choose from and an almost endless number of models, but it all boils down to your own tastes and needs. Once you’ve unearthed that rare gem, it would benefit you to take a few precautions before making your purchase. 1- Study the CARFAX Canada report CARFAX Canada is a report...![What to look for when buying used tires]()
What to look for when buying used tires
Buying used tires can seem daunting to the uninitiated. Here are some tips to make sure you end up with quality, well-kept tires: Regardless of how many safety and performance features a vehicle has, their effectiveness is ultimately decided by the tires. That small patch of rubber at the bottom...![5 family friendly cars that arent minivans]()
5 family-friendly cars that aren’t minivans
Having a family shouldn’t mean we’re destined to drive a minivan or an SUV. For those who’d prefer something else, the market offers a number of appealing options. Here are five cars that might fit the bill for you and your family. Mazda 5 The Mazda 5 is the only vehicle in the Mazda lineup...![Man sitting on a bench looking at his phone]()
4 things you should know before picking your hybrid or electric car
Hybrid and electric vehicles have certainly come a long way since they first debuted on the mass market in the late 90s. If the time has finally come for you to buy a hybrid or e-car that suits your lifestyle, here are some things to consider before going for a test drive. 1. Know the difference...![8 Mistakes First Time Car Buyers Make]()
8 Mistakes first-time car buyers make
Here’s a look at the eight most common mistakes made by first-time car buyers and how you can avoid them. Mistake #1: You didn’t do enough research After buying a house or business, purchasing a car could be the second- or third-largest purchase you make in your entire life. Wouldn’t you want...![Test drive your next new car]()
Test drive your next new car confidently with these 8 tips
You can do all the research in the world and read everything the experts say, but there's really only one way to find out if a car is right for you: Take it out for a spin. Here are eight steps for an effective test drive! When testing vehicles, car journalists often drive for several hundred...
