Car Tech: Is ADAS Important?

In modern-day cars, a key feature that was once exclusive to the top tier brands is now trickling down to more affordable car brands such as Perodua and Proton. Does that mean there’s an advancement in this technology to the point that even mass-produced consumer cars can have the feature fitted and pushed out to the masses? Does it also mean that the tech is trustworthy enough for us to completely rely on them without the need to take control when the going gets tough? In this article, we’ll help you understand whether or not ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is fool-proof and completely secure.

The features

In most modern cars, features such as blind-spot monitoring (BLIS) and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) are commonly found as standard features. These said features can be found in cars within the RM100k price point. Since we’re on the subject of the features available in a number of modern cars, here are a few highlights on certain ADAS features worth noting.

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• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Undeniably one of the most crucial features needed to dissuade the risks of getting into an accident, AEB helps in reducing the rate of accidents by applying a considerable amount of braking pressure to avoid a head-on collision. How it works is by utilizing a stereo camera setup located within the front windscreen of the car. Upon detecting an object like a car, person or animal, AEB will depress the brakes when it senses the driver isn’t taking any action towards the situation in front of him.

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• Lane-Departure Warning System (LDWS)

Another simple yet, effective feature in the market today, LDWS is a system that aids drivers in maintaining their vehicle’s line while on the highway. Meaning, the sensors and cameras fitted to the car is capable of determining whether or not the driver is weaving in and out of his lane without the use of the turn signal indicators. If it senses moments of weaving, the car would respond with various beeps to get the driver’s attention and therefore maintaining the line at all times.

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• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)

This feature can come in very handy for those who travel constantly. Be it for long highway drives or even long term city driving, DAA is crucial in keeping your attention on point whenever you’re on the road. Imagine yourself driving for more than six hours within a single trip and you’re getting drowsy. DAA aids in recovering the driver’s attention by flashing a series of warning signs to the driver. Be it in audible form like beeps and bongs, or via a visual aid. For example, Proton has a simple yet effective method with its DAA system. It shows a simple image of a coffee cup as well as a message located below saying “Take a break”. It’s the little things that add up for a better and safer driving experience.

The setbacks

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Now, having features like those mentioned above are crucial and can help in reducing the number of potential accidents, but it does have its drawbacks, however. Here are a few worth noting. For instance, having a plethora of technological advancements means we’re heading into a new and dangerous age of technology. Allow me to elaborate. With the suite of safety tech fitted into a vehicle, this could also mean that drivers may develop the “have nothing to fear” attitude, which will lead to the disrespect for other road users. Features such as Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM), reversing cameras and even guided parking systems both active and passive can make new drivers complacent when driving. This also brings up another topic at hand. Malaysia currently has no enforcement of insurance regulations to tie in with the ADAS as of now. Meaning, regardless of whether your car has the active safety suite and you’re involved in an accident, there wouldn’t be a special clause to justify your accident at all.

Another setback in the cost to replace broken or faulty parts which can cost upwards of RM1000 depending on the amount of tech affected. Be it as it may, our country is still undergoing its testing phase. Testing the waters to observe the public’s adaptations to the new technology. Adding on to that, Malaysians, in general, are more comfortable in buying cheaper cars with lower regards to safety and security of themselves and others around them.

Verdict

Seeing that ADAS is becoming more and more common in new cars, to the point that a feature that was once so exclusive in the luxury and upmarket car category is now trickling down to the cheapest of cars like the Perodua Axia and Kia Picanto, it is safe to say that this safety suite is definitely on the right path in the automotive world. Soon enough, we’ll be able to see the ADAS safety suite available on every new car as standard.