10 Features of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) use special software to track how drivers perform and behave while driving. The main purpose of these systems is to promote safe driving practices, ensure drivers follow rules about how long they can drive, maintain vehicles properly, and use fuel efficiently. They also help with other operational tasks related to managing a fleet of vehicles.

To put it simply, ADAS is software that can help drivers in various ways. For example, it can alert drivers if they are about to hit something or if there’s an unexpected obstacle on the road.?

These systems are designed to assist drivers, not replace them entirely. They use sensors and cameras to monitor the road and the driver’s behavior and provide warnings or assistance when necessary. This can help prevent accidents caused by human error, distraction, or fatigue.

What are the Essential Features of ADAS Software?

Basically, ADAS fleet management software does not have safety features, but it can also track vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and maintenance needs. This data can be used to optimize routes, schedules, and vehicle usage, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency.

ADAS is designed to assist drivers by providing helpful features like lane departure warnings, automatic braking, and cruise control that adapts to the speed of other vehicles.

The software is especially important for companies that have many vehicles on the road, like delivery services or transportation businesses.

Collision Avoidance Systems

These use radar, cameras, and sensors to detect vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in the path. If a potential collision is detected, they provide visual and audio warnings to alert the driver. More advanced systems can automatically apply the brakes or steer away to help avoid or reduce the impact of a crash. Some even tighten seatbelts in preparation.

Lane Departure Warning

Video cameras or infrared sensors monitor the lane markings on the road. If the vehicle starts to unintentionally drift over the lane lines without the turn signal activated, the system warns with lights, sounds, or vibrations through the steering wheel or seat. Higher-end versions can provide gentle steering inputs to keep the car centered.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Unlike regular cruise control, this uses radar or laser sensors to maintain a pre-set following distance from the vehicle ahead. It automatically accelerates and brakes to keep a safe gap, making highway driving less tiring. Some integrate stop-and-go capability for low-speed traffic situations.

Parking Assistance

From finding suitable spaces to providing steering guidance, these make parking easier. Sensors detect open parallel or perpendicular spots, and some can automatically steer the car into them while the driver controls the brakes. Rear cameras and 360-degree bird’s-eye view cameras also aid in parking.

Driver Drowsiness Detection

These monitor steering inputs, lane position, eye movements, and other factors to analyze if the driver is getting drowsy or distracted. Warning lights, sounds, or vibrating seats alert them to take a rest break.

Automatic Emergency Braking

If sensors detect an imminent front collision that the driver doesn’t respond to, this system automatically applies maximum braking force to avoid or reduce the crash impact. It can potentially prevent rear-ending stopped vehicles.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Radar sensors on the sides and rear of the vehicle detect when other vehicles are in blind spots that mirrors can’t see. Visual indicators on side mirrors or audible warnings prevent unsafe lane changes.

Cross-Traffic Alert

Using the same radar sensors, these warn if a vehicle is approaching from the sides when backing out of a parking spot or driveway where vision is obstructed.

Night Vision

Thermal imaging cameras or infrared sensors enhance vision in dark conditions by highlighting pedestrians, animals, or inanimate objects in front of the vehicle that may be difficult to see with headlights alone.

Traffic Sign Recognition

Cameras read speed limit signs, no-passing zones, and other traffic instructions, displaying the information on the dashboard so drivers don’t inadvertently miss them.

Why Companies Need an ADAS System to Manage Their Fleet

• Real-Time GPS Tracking: Knowing the exact location of every vehicle allows logistics companies to optimize routes and provide accurate estimated arrival times. If a driver needs to be rerouted due to traffic, construction, or other issues, dispatchers can quickly identify the best alternative path. In case of breakdowns or accidents, the GPS coordinates enable a rapid emergency response. Live tracking also deters unauthorized usage of company vehicles.

• Driver Behavior Monitoring: In addition to detecting speeding, harsh braking, and aggressive turns, these systems can analyze acceleration patterns, cornering forces, and more. Coaching drivers based on this data helps reduce fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear, and accident risks. Over time, consistent monitoring promotes a culture of safe and eco-friendly driving practices across the entire fleet.

• Telematics Solutions: A detailed and comprehensive vehicle data, including diagnostic trouble codes, allows for predictive maintenance schedules tailored to each vehicle’s usage patterns. This proactive approach minimizes unexpected breakdowns and associated costs. Detailed fuel consumption data empowers strategies to improve efficiency, such as driver training or vehicle replacements, when aging assets become too inefficient.

• Fatigue and Distraction Detection: While basic systems rely on predetermined schedules, advanced fatigue monitoring uses machine vision to analyze a driver’s face and eye movements for micro-sleeps or loss of focus. Distraction detection tracks head and body movements to identify if the driver is engaged in risky behaviors like using a phone or eating while driving.

• Customizable Alerts and Reports: Geofence alerts can notify managers if vehicles enter restricted areas or deviate from approved routes, aiding in security and compliance. Driver scorecards highlight top and under-performers for recognition or coaching. Automated reporting reduces administrative overhead while providing stakeholders with up-to-date insights.

• Fuel Management: Avoiding excessive idling through automatic engine start/stop or alerts improves fuel efficiency. Route planning based on traffic conditions and vehicle loads minimizes fuel consumption. Identifying inefficient driving behaviors like excessive acceleration and braking enables targeted coaching.

• User-Friendly Interface: A well-designed dashboard provides at-a-glance visibility into key metrics like vehicle locations, driver performance, and safety alerts. Intuitive navigation and customizable views ensure managers can access relevant information quickly. Mobile apps empower drivers to complete tasks like vehicle inspections and messaging on the go.

Before You Go?

ADAS systems are becoming more refined, offering greater accuracy in detection and responsiveness, thereby promising further improvements in road safety.?

To grow and manage your fleet, companies must choose the best ADAS software with the best features suitable to their business needs such as TrackoBit.

Source: Features of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems