How ADAS can keep us safe on the road

A couple of days ago, I had the chance to test GAC's newly launched Emkoo crossover SUV. Equipped with a Lane Keeping Assist System that helps drivers maintain their position on the road, it is an ideal safety aid for motorists, especially those who have the tendency to veer away from their lane without using the turn light of their vehicles.

While driving along the busy South Luzon Expressway, I carefully observed how this assist system functioned. I noticed that the steering wheel counter-steered whenever I slightly veered it either to the left or right. It took me a while to realize that the movements I made on the steering wheel automatically activated the Emkoo's Lane Keeping Assist System, which prevented me from shifting lanes unless I used the vehicle's turn light.

It's amazing, considering that a few years ago this safety feature was only available in high-priced luxury models. The Lane Keeping Assist System is part of the Emkoo's ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. It also has a Traffic Jam Assist function (considered a Level 2 ADAS) which is a big help during frustrating traffic gridlocks. The Traffic Jam Assist combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering capabilities, which means it autonomously handles acceleration and braking during slow-moving, bumper-to-bumper situations. Not bad for a P1.498-million crossover SUV.

Another interesting feature included in the ADAS is the Adaptive Cruise Control that not only maintains a driver's preferred speed but also adjusts according to the speed and distance of the vehicle in front, ensuring that a safe following distance is maintained. The Adaptive Cruise Control is combined with an Integrated Cruise Assist that continuously measures — in real time — the distance of the vehicle in front, which adds an extra layer of safety to the vehicle.

Like a vigilant co-driver

Like having a vigilant co-driver on board, the Emkoo also has Autonomous Emergency Braking that takes safety to a new level by activating the brakes when it detects an obstacle before the driver sees it.

Lastly, it is also equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking-Vulnerable Road Users Protection that triggers emergency braking to prevent hitting vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and cyclists.

One would think that all these safety features might dull a person's driving skills, but it actually is the opposite since the purpose of ADAS is to help the driver operate the vehicle more safely and effectively. ADAS does this by improving a driver's ability to react to dangers on the road, aided by early warnings and system automation.

Oldest form of ADAS

What most people do not realize, however, is that ADAS has been around for a long time. One of the oldest forms of ADAS is known as the anti-lock braking system or ABS, that was developed for 1920s-era aircraft. The technology enabled airplanes from skidding uncontrollably after touching down on a runway. It soon found its way in cars in the 1970s when Chrysler came up with the first four-wheel, electronically-controlled ABS for its top-of-the line Imperial sedan.

Others followed soon after, like the electronic stability control, blind spot information systems, lane departure warnings, traction control, and adaptive cruise control.

The development of ADAS was aimed to achieve zero accidents, traffic-related injury or death. More than 90 percent of traffic accidents are caused by human error, a reality that has kept researchers on their toes in finding ways to prevent vehicle collisions and, in unavoidable situations, to at least lessen automobile damage and injuries of its occupants.