Vehicle safety systems are getting more and more sophisticated alongside the cars into which they are fitted.
Let’s look at some of the newer systems in modern cars.
1. Lane keep assist
These are multiple sensors placed at specific locations around the vehicle to detect the lines that divide roads into lanes. The sensors can detect solid lines (also called barrier lines) as well as broken lines.
While the car is in motion, the sensors ensure that the vehicle stays in its own lane. If it strays from its lane, a warning light on the instrument panel comes on, and the steering wheel usually vibrates to warn the driver, and then it steers the car back into its lane. Unfortunately, the sensors cannot function properly on unpainted roads. The Keep Lane Assist warning system also only works if you have not activated the indicator before changing lanes. This is how it “knows” that you are acting intentionally.
2. Blind-spot monitor
One of the instructions we learn during our K53 studies is how to check the blind spot during certain manoeuvres and hen driving in general. We often neglect this, especially when overtaking, which leads to angry reactions or worse: collisions.
Blind Spot Monitors do this job for us with the help of sensors. An orange warning light flashes, usually on the side mirrors, to alert us to the possible blind-spot violation. In some vehicles, the steering wheel also vibrates. It is then up to the driver to abort their planned manoeuvre and get to safety. In conjunction with the Keep Lane Assist feature, the car can then steer itself out of the danger zone.
3. Active cruise control
With cruise control, you set a specific speed that the car should maintain. Unfortunately, this does not work so well in traffic, as cars often cut in front of you or suddenly slow down, and so on. With Active Cruise Control, you can set a certain speed at the outset. Then, if you follow as lower vehicle, your car automatically reduces its own speed and keeps to the speed of the vehicle in front. If this vehicle returns to its higher speed, your car gently accelerates again to either match it or maintain the original set speed.
4. Park distance control
Parking is one of the most nerve-racking exercises you can perform in a car. And we park quite often on a normal day. Alley docking, side parking, parallel parking, reverse parking, parking in an underground car park, parking between two trucks – it can all be quite daunting. With Park Distance Control (PDC), the car uses sensors to detect the distance between fixed objects and the car.
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As you approach a stationary object, a warning beep sounds, which becomes faster the closer you get. In some cars, a live video display of the manoeuvre is shown on the infotainment screen. This helps you place the car in the right spot without causing damage. PDC can be activated for the front only, rear only, both front and rear, sides or all of the above. Some new cars also have a 360-degree and/or bird’s eye view, which allows you to see the car and the parking space from above.
5. Forward collision warning
Sometimes we are distracted and do not see people or objects approaching from the front. Or we follow cars that brake suddenly for no apparent reason. In such cases, the Forward Collision Warning System kicks in and emits a loud beep, usually accompanied by a red warning light flashing inside the vehicle. Some cars even offer the option of braking automatically if they have calculated that the driver will not be able to bring the vehicle to a halt in time to avoid a collision.
6. Pedestrian recognition
Higher-end vehicles have a system that “detects” pedestrians and even some animals at night. Collisions often occur when pedestrians or animals cross poorly lit or completely dark roads unexpectedly. This recognition system uses thermal imaging to detect them and display them on the screen so that the driver can see them even in the dark. Whether they are walking on the pavement nearby or running into the road, the system alerts the driver immediately.
7. Emergency SOS call
Some top-of-the-line models have an automatic SOS call response. If there is a collision and the driver or other occupants are too injured to call for assistance, this safety system will do it for them. The car recognises that it has been involved in a serious accident and immediately dials specific numbers to call for help. It can leave an automatic message and/or simply send a location pin identifying the scene of the accident. This gives the emergency responders a good indication of the seriousness of the situation and the location of the incident.
