INTELLIGENT DRIVING

HUMAN ERROR ACCOUNTS FOR MOST ROAD ACCIDENTS BUT WITH THE ADVENT OF TECHNOLOGY IN CARS, MANY OF THESE ERRORS CAN BE MINIMISED. WE TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO THE LATEST ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS 

- ABHIK DAS

Reaction times for humans aren't created equally. As we all are conditioned differently, our response to sudden actions and scenarios can vastly differ. And more often than not, human error is the cause of accidents. Although human errors cannot be completely eliminated its effects can be minimised by using current technologies to assist with sensory perception. Technology can play an equaliser for everyone driving/ riding on the road, and this is where Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) comes into play.

A vital collection of technologies, formerly reserved for high-end cars only, is now dropping to affordable price points, enabling more manufacturers to offer them, thus making roads safer. With cars like the new Mahindra XUV700, the MG Astor and Gloster too getting ADAS, we wanted to delve deeper into the technology to know just how it works. So here are some questions addressed about this revolutionary new system.

What is ADAS?

To put it simply, ADAS comprises cameras and radar-based sensors to make a vehicle and its driver aware of the surroundings 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.