What's ADAS? 3 Things You Need to Know

Reckless driving and road accidents have long been an issue in Canada. The country saw over 1700 deaths in road accidents in 2019 and over 140,000 people injured. The reasons vary from reckless driving to the car owner failing to schedule a glass repair to fix windshield cracks. However, with technological advancements like ADAS, this problem can finally be put to bed.

What does ADAS stand for?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance System, which can be described as modern features installed in a vehicle that aids the driver in noticing possible dangers on the road. These features can be as simple as automated screen wipers or headlights that respond to the minimum light required for visibility and turn on as soon as it gets dark.

ADAS has the capability of minimizing road accidents by a large number. More automobile companies are customizing new cars with modern driver assistance features. in 2024, at least 70% of the total vehicles on the roads of Canada have at least one ADAS feature installed, which is a high number considering it was available in just 5 percent of cars in 2013. The growing demand has also resulted in a boost to its industry, amounting to 20 billion US dollars in 2021.

What to Know about ADAS?

It’s important to understand a technology to use it to its full effect. There are three things to know about ADAS:

Modern ADAS features

ADAS is included in the initial design of the latest model automobiles and is updated when automotive manufacturers release new models and their advanced features.

These modern ADAS features include automotive imaging, a collection of cutting-edge sensor systems that can provide a 360-degree view for the driver beyond the human eye’s capabilities. It can help keep a check for blind spots and avoid any unwanted grazes.

Other interesting features include enhanced lighting, which can assist visibility even in pitch-black darkness, vehicle condition graphs, 3D location mapping, etc.

How Does It Work?

ADAS uses various radars and sensors to judge the area around the car and send a descriptive report to the driver for immediate action. Some modern features allow ADAS to take action on its own to protect the vehicle from any collision.

These sensors are generally installed in the sides, the rear, or the vehicle’s windscreen. The camera on the windscreen provides a complete report of what’s in front. For this reason, the windshield ADAS might be the most important feature.

Issues with Windshield ADAS

The problems with windshield ADAS arise when you go through a windshield replacement. An improperly installed windscreen can render ADAS ineffective. This is because the system is programmed with a particular angle. So, if the windscreen is installed even a few millimetres to the side, the sensor wouldn’t be able to work.

Alt Text: A person driving a Mercedes in a rainy weather

Key Features

ADAS encompasses a variety of features designed to assist drivers and improve vehicle safety. Some of the most common features include:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects an impending collision and applies the brakes if the driver does not take action in time.
Blind Spot Detection (BSD): Warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spots during lane changes.
Parking Assistance: Includes features like automatic parallel parking and rearview cameras to help with parking maneuvers.

These systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and lidar to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide real-time assistance to the driver.

Benefits

Improved Safety: Features like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) help prevent accidents by alerting drivers to potential hazards and taking action when necessary.
Reduced Driver Fatigue: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) reduce the mental and physical strain of driving, making long trips less exhausting.
Enhanced Driving Comfort: Parking assistance systems, including automatic parallel parking and rearview cameras, simplify parking and other complex driving tasks.
Insurance Benefits: Cars equipped with ADAS often qualify for lower insurance premiums due to their advanced safety features.

The Future of ADAS: Moving Towards Level 2 Autonomous Vehicles

As we look ahead, the future of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is not just about making driving safer and more convenient; it’s about transforming the very nature of driving through the integration of autonomous technologies. At the forefront of this evolution are Level 2 autonomous vehicles, which represent a significant leap forward in automotive technology.

Understanding Level 2 Autonomous Vehicles

Level 2 autonomous vehicles, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), are equipped with systems that can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration simultaneously. Unlike lower levels of automation, which might only assist with specific tasks, Level 2 vehicles can handle multiple driving functions at once. However, they still require the driver to remain engaged and ready to take control at any moment. This blend of automation and driver oversight provides a glimpse into a future where cars not only assist but also enhance the driving experience.

Key Features of Level 2 Autonomy

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting speed.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane by providing steering inputs.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies brakes to avoid or mitigate collisions.
Traffic Jam Assist: Manages acceleration and braking in stop-and-go traffic situations.

These features combine to create a driving experience that is both safer and more convenient, allowing drivers to enjoy a semi-autonomous mode especially suited for highway driving and traffic jams.

How ADAS Paves the Way for Level 2 Autonomy

ADAS technologies are the building blocks of Level 2 autonomy. By integrating multiple ADAS features, manufacturers can offer vehicles that provide a more cohesive and reliable autonomous experience. For instance, the collaboration between Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist creates a system where the car can maintain speed and stay within lane markings with minimal driver input.

The Path Forward

The trajectory of ADAS points towards even more sophisticated levels of autonomy. As these systems become more advanced, we can expect a gradual shift towards higher levels of automation, ultimately aiming for fully autonomous vehicles. The industry is moving quickly: estimates suggest that by 2025, a significant percentage of new vehicles will be equipped with Level 2 features, and the groundwork laid by these technologies will facilitate the transition to Levels 3 and beyond (Car ADAS) (Canalys).

Engaging with the Future

For drivers and enthusiasts, the future of ADAS and autonomous vehicles is incredibly exciting. Imagine a world where long commutes are less tiring, road trips are more enjoyable, and traffic congestion is less stressful. With the continued development and adoption of Level 2 autonomous vehicles, this vision is becoming a reality. The journey towards full autonomy is a progressive one, with each advancement bringing us closer to a world where our vehicles are not just modes of transport, but intelligent companions on the road.

Get ADAS Calibration with Windshield Replacement

While installing the new windshield, everything needs to be precise. You can acquire this kind of precision only from a reliable automobile windshield replacement service, like us at Crystal Glass.

Crystal Glass is equipped with the skills to manage advanced driver assistance systems on all vehicles. We leverage our experience of 70 years in our job, so you can expect nothing but the best from our mobile auto glass repair service.