The (fully) autonomous car is still science fiction for now. However, modern cars are already equipped with various ‘smart’ driver assistance systems that pave the way to the self-driving car. What driver assistance systems is the modern car equipped with?
The term ‘driver assistance systems’ says it all. These systems assist you, the driver, but you remain in control. Although some systems can already anticipate and intervene if necessary. You will frequently encounter the driver assistance systems below in modern cars, Also in many rental cars. But what do they do precisely?
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
Electronic stability programme (ESP), or electronic stability control, is nothing new. This active driving safety system has existed since the mid-90s and is now standard in new cars. In fact, ESP has been compulsory in new vehicles since 2014.
ESP stabilises your car and steers it in the right direction if your vehicle is about to skid. For example, if it's slippery, you have to swerve unexpectedly, or misjudge a corner. By varying the braking force on each wheel, ESP helps you get back on track.
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive cruise control not only ensures that your car maintains a (pre-set) constant speed, but also automatically adjusts that speed to the speed of the vehicle in front. This automatically maintains a safe distance from preceding vehicles, preventing costly fines for tailgating and, more importantly, head-on collisions.
If you approach a vehicle ahead that is travelling slower than you, adaptive cruise control will automatically brake your vehicle. If the vehicle ahead accelerates, your car will automatically accelerate – up to the set speed.
You shouldn't confuse adaptive cruise control with distance alert. While this system warns you if you're driving too close to the vehicle in front, it doesn't intervene itself.
Brake assist
Brake assist is an independent emergency braking system that automatically brakes in emergency situations. When something or someone suddenly appears in front of your vehicle, such as a cyclist or pedestrian crossing, the system automatically applies the brakes in an emergency. Because the system reacts faster than is humanly possible and also brakes to the maximum, an accident can be prevented or its impact limited.
Park assist
Park assist, or parking aid, has been around for several years. With this system, your car steers itself into a parking space while you operate the accelerator and brake pedals. More modern, fully automatic parking systems park completely independently, without you having to touch the steering wheel or pedals. A parking aid or fully automatic parking system helps you manoeuvre into even the tightest parking spaces and helps prevent parking damage.
(Intelligent) speed limiter
A speed limiter restricts your car's speed to a pre-set maximum. You have to enter this maximum speed yourself. Intelligent speed limiters, on the other hand, automatically adjust your speed to the applicable maximum speed by scanning traffic signs or using your GPS position.
There are also traffic sign recognition systems which warn you when you are speeding. These systems usually don't automatically adjust your speed, although I have driven a car myself that did. Saves you tickets!
Lane assist
Lane assist, or lane keeping assist, helps you to stay within your lane. The assistance system does this by giving a signal or steering back when you are (unintentionally) about to leave ‘your’ lane. This helps to prevent, among other things, head-on collisions, which are among the deadliest accidents.
When you’re about to fall asleep, this system is a very helpful assistant. The signal is an alarming sound.
On coaches, this sound is turned off so as not to alarm bus passengers. Instead of a sharp sound, the driver's seat provides a vibration to alert a sleeping driver.
Car hire in the Born regionThis is possible with Adrem Car Rental! You see, cars are becoming increasingly intelligent and it's only a matter of time before you can buy a fully self-driving car. What do you think about this? Good for road safety? Or a loss of autonomy?
