Intelligent driving

Human error accounts for most road accidents but with the advent of technology in cars, many of these errors can be minimised. Abhik Das takes an in depth look into Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

- Abhik Das

Reaction times for humans aren't created equally. As we are all conditioned differently, our response I to sudden actions and scenarios can vastly differ. And more often than not, human error is the cause of accidents. Although, understandably, human errors cannot be completely eliminated but can be minimised by using current technologies to assist with sensory perception. This is where technology can come in to equalise everyone driving/riding on the road and this is where Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) come into play. A vital collective of technologies formerly reserved for high-end cars only, is now trickling down to affordable price points enabling more manufacturers to offer them thus making roads and its users safer. With cars like the new Mahindra XUV700, the MG Astor and Gloster too getting ADAS, we wanted to delve deeper into the tech to know just how it works. So here are some questions we address about this revolutionary new system.

WHAT IS ADAS?

To put it simply, ADAS comprises of cameras and radar-based sensors to make a vehicle a and its driver aware of the surroundings that they're operating in. In doing so, the cameras and sensors pick up inputs relating to other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, obstacles and lanes among other things to determine the relative position of the vehicle they're attached to. These inputs also calculate the speed of the vehicle in relation to all the other variables listed to maintain a safe distance or compensate for changes, applying emergency brakes if needed or even prompt steering to keep within lanes among other functions.

DOES THIS MEAN, A CAR WITH ADAS CAN DRIVE ITSELF?