Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: What Do They Actually Do?

You may have heard of ABS, ESC or even EBA. But what are they? They’re actually part of a range of driver-assistance features that now come in many modern vehicles.

From anti-lock braking (ABS) to lane change assist (LCA), all are designed to keep us and other road users safer. But all those acronyms can be confusing, their functionality cloaked in mystery.

It’s why The Driving Instructors Association has designed and developed the ADAS Knowledge Hub, a one-stop shop for learning about different types of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (that’s ADAS to you) and their benefits.

Life-saving tech

Free to use, the Hub strips away the tech babble so you can understand why the tech was created in the first place, what it does and why. For instance:

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

This helps stop your vehicle’s wheels from locking up when braking hard. It means you can stay more in control when slowing down quickly because you can still steer, instead of simply hanging on to the wheel with your heart in your mouth.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

This feature automatically detects when your vehicle is losing traction while braking or cornering, and applies the brakes to individual wheels to help correct over or understeer for instance. In layman’s terms, that means you are more likely to make it round that corner instead of upside down in a hedge (though ESC is not designed to improve your vehicle’s cornering ability).

Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)

Mandatory in all new cars sold from July 2022 in the EU and UK, this safety system uses camera and satellite tech to keep track of speed limits and will slow down your vehicle progressively if you break the limit.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Loved by long distance drivers the world over, ACC is like cruise control – it drives your vehicle at a set speed – but uses laser or radar to match your speed automatically with that of the vehicle in front, all while maintaining a safe distance. For munching through motorway miles or slow-moving traffic, the tech is a patience-saver.

Unresponsive Driver Intervention (UDI)

Driving while tired kills. It’s why more and more vehicles feature systems that track the possible signs of motorist tiredness. For instance, basic systems will time how long you have been driving and suggest taking a break after a set amount of hours. Other systems are more vigil; for instance, they will analyse your use of the steering wheel or even track if your eyelids are closed.

• For full insights, explanations and videos about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, visit the ADAS Knowledge Hub here.

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