Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Have Limitations
Advanced driver assistance systems are technologies in modern vehicles that assist drivers in different ways. A driver can use these technologies to get vital data about blockage or closure of the roads ahead, traffic, and congestion levels. Some advanced driver assistance systems can also judge the driver’s distraction or fatigue level and provide precautionary alerts.
Some ADAS technologies can even take control over a vehicle upon assessing a threat. For instance, some advanced driver assistance systems can take over cruise control or help the driver when parking or overtaking. But like anything else that has merits, advanced driver assistance systems have their demerits.
Genuine Concerns about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The world experiences an increasing potential for more people becoming drivers every year. And this seems beneficial since it shows the growing purchasing power of the population. However, some drivers do not understand their vehicles’ features fully. Consequently, many auto shops get many questions from customers whenever they go for car servicing or repair.
According to experts and professional organizations, many drivers don’t know that advanced driver assistance systems have safety restrictions. Yet, the number of drivers on the road with vehicles fitted with these systems increases every day.
With ADAS technologies becoming increasingly available, a growing segment of the public monitoring them notes that they can potentially reduce crashes and injuries or deaths on the road. However, humans may not realize this potential fully unless vehicle owners realize and understand these technologies and how they function.
Essentially, carmakers should educate consumers on the best ways to use these technologies and their intended use. That way, drivers will avoid misusing or over-relying on advanced driver assistance systems.
Experts' Opinions about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Some experts have noted that many drivers believe that these technologies can make vast traffic choices on their behalf. And this raises an issue with the preventive measures that a driver could take. Experts have conducted a study to examine the understanding, knowledge, experiences, and opinions of drivers that regularly drive and own vehicles sold between 2016 and 2017. These vehicles come with technologies like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward-collision warning.
After the study results analysis, the experts established that most drivers loved the technology fitted in their vehicles since they found it helpful. However, most drivers didn’t know the capabilities of the technologies in their cars. The report indicated the confusion and uncertainty could impact the usage, reliance, and comfort with these technologies.
Experts have reported that the prevalence of the drivers’ willingness to engage in more activities and stop concentrating on the roadway view, or even depend on the technology without practicing safe driving could be disastrous. For instance, some drivers may change lanes or back up without checking the blind spots. And this shows a lack of appreciation or understanding that ADAS’ purpose is to assist drivers. Thus, the driver should be attentive all the time while driving for safety purposes.
Unfortunately, most drivers do not seek information about the ADAS technologies in their vehicles. This study, for instance, noted that only one in ten drivers sought information about the ADAS technology in their cars.
Nevertheless, more research is necessary to establish the best way for carmakers to convey information about ADAS’ capabilities, function, and limitations to drivers and car owners.
Campaign to Create Awareness
It’s no secret that ADAS plays a significant role in enhancing road safety. However, vehicle manufacturers should harmonize advanced driver assistance systems and educate consumers about the best ways to use them.
Currently, some organizations have launched campaigns to raise awareness among motorists about mandatory safety systems that new cars made from May 2022 will have. All existing moderns made from May 2024 will also have safety systems for which the organizations raise awareness.
The goal is to ensure that these vehicles’ drivers understand the limitations and functionalities of advanced driver assistance systems. And this is the best way to realize tangible improvements in road safety.
For instance, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist are amazing friends. However, drivers should learn about them and how they work first. But since many drivers don’t know much about these technologies, ADAS will always have issues.
ACC, for example, can malfunction on a roundabout, at a very high or low speed, and under bad weather conditions. Carmakers design AEB systems to detect cars only. As such, a driver can have problems identifying cyclists and pedestrians.
So far, the vast majority of car drivers don’t know much about the operations and functions of ADAS. However, their vehicles already have these technologies and soon will be mandatory. Therefore, a campaign for raising awareness about ADAS and the functionalities of these technologies is essential.
Final Thoughts
For a long time, automakers have always touted the advantages of advanced driver assistance systems. Although these systems help reduce accidents, injuries, and deaths, they have their flaws and drawbacks. And automakers should work on these drawbacks. Meanwhile, relevant stakeholders should educate consumers about the limitations of advanced driver assistance systems. That way, they can eliminate confusion and over-dependence on these technologies because this can cause more crashes and fatalities on the road.
