With approximately 94 percent of accidents caused by human error, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are fast becoming an essential technology for passenger and commercial vehicles. While many people think that ADAS is a reasonably new concept, you’d likely be surprised that they have been around for quite some time. An anti-lock braking system (ABS), for example, is considered an ADAS, although many don’t believe it is cutting-edge technology today as when it was unveiled.

ADAS has many advantages for fleet managers and drivers. For example, ADAS helps prevent traffic accidents, enhances road safety, and offers drivers better control. By understanding some of the most common ADAS terminologies, you’ll be more well-equipped to figure out which ADAS systems your vehicles include and how they work. So, here are seven ADAS terms Triad Diagnostic Solutions wants you to know.

There are 5 levels to autonomous driving systems.

Level 0: No Autonomy in the Vehicle, all driving responsibilities are dependent upon the driver.

Level 1: Driver Assistance, the driver is in control, but there are a few assist features installed on the vehicle, such as rear cameras and radar.

Level 2: Partial Automation, the driver in combination with ADAS technology such as lane keeping and adaptive cruise control features are installed, but the driver must remain engaged in the operation of the vehicle.

Level 3:
Conditional Automation, the driver must be in the vehicle to take control at all times when needed, but the vehicle is equipped with ADAS technology that can operate the vehicle autonomously.

Level 4:
High Automation, the vehicle can perform all driving functions under most conditions. The driver has the option to operate the vehicle.

Level 5: Full Automation, the vehicle is capable of operation on its own in all conditions, with or without a driver.

1. Active Driving Assistance

Active driving assistance is one of the most recognizable ADAS terms, referring to a system that includes a combination of automated steering, braking, and speed regulation. On the autonomous driving scale, active driving assistance is classified as a Level 2 driving automation. Active driving assistance is the closest autonomous operation currently available to the public in the United States.

2. Anti-Lock Braking System

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) was one of the first standard ADAS features. In this system, anti-lock brakes prevent a vehicle’s wheels from locking up in the event of a sudden emergency stop. The system works by closely monitoring for differences in the wheel speed. The brakes are pulsed until wheel speed is equalized and sustainable when the system detects such differences. This system has long reduced rear-end collisions and accidents at interchanges and assists in driving in hazardous conditions.

3. Camera Sensors

“Camera sensors” is a popular phrase in ADAS due to their incorporation into various vehicle components. In many ADAS-advanced vehicles, camera sensors are positioned on the rear, front, and sides of a vehicle. These camera sensors are responsible for capturing images of a vehicle’s surroundings before analyzing them to identify pedestrians, other cars, street signs, curbs, and more. Additionally, camera sensors are one of the most important components that require calibration following a vehicle repair, which can be done quickly and easily with the proper calibration tool.

4. Lane Departure Warning

A lane departure warning alerts drivers that they are about to cross into another lane. This ADAS feature alerts upon observing the lane merging action without the turning indicator. The lane departure warning system is one of many ADAS features that have seen a boost in adoption. Fleet managers, in particular, understand a lane departure warning system’s ability to increase their overall safety score by tremendously reducing head-on collisions, which is the number 1 type of fatal accident for commercial vehicles.

5. Active Speed Intervention (ASI)

If a truck exceeds the posted speed limit, an ASI system will perform visual and auditory alerts to bring this to the driver’s attention. After the driver has been alerted, the system will monitor for a decrease in speed. If no reduction occurs (and dependent on how high above the speed limit the vehicle is traveling), the ASI will either de-throttle the engine for up to two seconds, adjust cruise control, or cancel cruise control entirely.

6. Brake Hold Mode

In vehicles equipped with brake hold mode, the driver can press the brake pedal down further (after coming to a complete stop) to activate the mode. In this mode, the driver no longer has to repeatedly press down on the brake during prolonged periods of being stopped (such as within heavy traffic). The driver simply presses down on the accelerator or taps the brake pedal to deactivate the mode.

7. Trailer Assistance

Finally, trailer assistance is an ADAS system that is particularly important for drivers of freight vehicles. Trailer assistance provides drivers with a visual guideline that they can use to either back up with a trailer attached or assist the driver in hitching a trailer. There are different versions of trailer assistance, with some providing passive warnings while others offer active assistance.

What is ADAS Expected to Do in the Future?

As a fleet manager, you’re likely interested in the future of ADAS. After all, you want to know what the latest innovations can offer you and your drivers in the way of improved safety and efficiency. So what does this look like?

Looking at current technology trends, we highly expect new ADAS systems to focus primarily on increased visibility, improved braking and handling, and a significant reduction in distractions that could threaten safety. In particular, camera sensors will likely see improvements in their range and ability to sense the environment. Finally, there will probably be an increase in commercial vehicles with automation features. Experts predict that this change will first be seen in vehicles that are easy to navigate and those used in duty cycles.

ADAS Tools That Are Well Worth the Investment

Here at Triad Diagnostic Solutions, we offer high-tech ADAS calibration tools that are highly reliable. Additionally, our tools are compatible with over 98 percent of all makes and models currently on the road today. So regardless of the type of vehicle you’re outfitting, we have cost-effective All-Systems ADAS tools that are well worth the investment for you and your drivers. We also offer heavy-duty scan tools, automotive TMPS tools, and key programming kits. Contact us today at (844) 630-1106! We’ll be happy to assist you and answer all of your questions.

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