Chapter 15: Driver assistance systems (ADAS)

15.1 What are ADAS?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and driving comfort by assisting the driver in various tasks, warning of potential hazards, and, in some cases, taking partial control of the vehicle to avoid accidents.

15.2 What are the Main ADAS Features?

Below is a list of common ADAS functions—some from your original list, plus several additional systems widely used today:

• Hill Start Assist (Hill Holder): Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on an incline by holding the brakes briefly after the driver releases the brake pedal.
• Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA): Uses cameras and map data to detect speed limits and either warn the driver or automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed.
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): Optimizes brake pressure between wheels for maximum stability and stopping power, especially under heavy braking.
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB / AEBS): Detects imminent collisions and applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not react in time.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and safe following distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically adjusting throttle and brakes.
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA): Builds on ACC and LKA to provide hands-on semi-automated driving in slow-moving traffic, controlling speed, distance, and steering within the lane.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Monitors road lane markings and gently steers or warns the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling.
• Lane Centering / Emergency Lane Keeping: Keeps the vehicle centered in the lane during highway driving; steers to avoid an obstacle if a collision is imminent.
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD / BLIS): Alerts the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes that may not be visible in the mirrors.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns of approaching traffic from the sides when reversing out of parking spaces.
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): Uses a forward-facing camera to detect and display road signs (e.g., speed limits, no-entry) on the instrument cluster.
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Provides visual and/or audible alerts when a frontal impact is likely unless corrective action is taken.
• Rear-view Camera & Parking Sensors: Offer visual and/or audible assistance for low-speed maneuvers and parking.
• High Beam Assist (Automatic Headlight Control): Switches between high and low beams depending on oncoming or preceding traffic.
• Automatic Headlight & Wiper Activation: Turns on headlights or windshield wipers when sensors detect low light or rain.
• Driver Monitoring & Drowsiness Detection: Monitors driver attention and issues alerts if signs of fatigue or distraction are detected.
• Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection: Identifies vulnerable road users and can warn or automatically brake to prevent a collision.
• Intersection Assist: Scans cross-traffic at junctions and can alert the driver or brake if another vehicle is about to collide.
• eCall / Emergency Call: Automatically contacts emergency services in a serious crash, transmitting the vehicle’s location.
• Start-Stop System: Shuts off the engine at idle (e.g., in traffic lights) and restarts it when the driver is ready to move, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
• Semi-Autonomous “Pilot” Modes: Integrates multiple ADAS features (ACC, LKA, TJA) to enable hands-on semi-automated driving under certain conditions.

All these systems rely on combinations of cameras, radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, GPS, and advanced software algorithms to perceive the environment, assess risk, and assist the driver—making modern driving both safer and more comfortable.