Smart driver assistance systems

Frits Pieper
30 sep 2019

The (fully) autonomous car is still a thing of the future. But modern cars are already equipped with various 'smart' driver assistance systems that pave the way to the self-driving car. Which driver assistance systems are equipped with the modern car?

The term 'driver assistance systems' says it all. These systems assist you as a driver, but you keep control yourself. Although some systems can already anticipate and intervene if necessary. The driver assistance systems below are already regularly found in modern cars, also in many rental cars. But what exactly do they do?

Electronic stability program (ESP)

Electronic stability program (ESP) is nothing new. This active driving safety system has been around since the mid-90s and is now standard in new cars. In fact, ESP has been mandatory in new vehicles since 2014. 

ESP stabilises your car and steers it in the right direction if your vehicle is in danger of skidding. For example, if it is slippery, you have to swerve unexpectedly or you misjudge a bend. By varying the braking force per wheel, ESP helps you get back in the right direction.

Adaptive cruise control

Adaptive cruise control not only ensures that your car drives at a (preset) constant speed, but also automatically adjusts that speed to the speed of the vehicle in front. This automatically keeps you at a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front and prevents expensive fines for tailgating and more importantly: rear-end collisions.

When you approach a slower vehicle in front of you, adaptive cruise control automatically brakes your vehicle. When the vehicle in front accelerates, your car automatically accelerates – up to the set speed.

Adaptive cruise control should not be confused with distance alert. This system warns you if you are driving too close to the vehicle in front, but does not intervene itself.

brake assist

Brake assist is an independent emergency braking system that automatically brakes in emergency situations. If something or someone suddenly appears in front of your vehicle, such as a crossing cyclist or pedestrian, the system automatically makes an emergency stop. Because the system reacts faster than humanly possible and also brakes as much as possible, an accident can be prevented or its impact limited.

park assist

Park assist, or parking aid, has been around for a few years. With this system, your car steers itself into a parking space, while you operate the accelerator and brake pedals. The more modern, fully automatic parking systems even 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.

(Smart) speed limiter

A speed limiter limits the speed of your car to a preset 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 that warn you when you are driving too fast. These systems usually do not adjust your speed automatically, although I have driven a car that did. Saves you from getting fines!

Lane assist

Lane assist, or lane keeping assistance, helps you stay within the lane you are following. The assistance system does this by giving a signal or counter-steering when you (unintentionally) threaten to leave 'your' lane. This prevents head-on collisions, which are among the most deadly accidents.

When you are about to fall asleep, this system is a very helpful assistant. The signal is an alarming sound.

In coaches this sound is turned off so as not to alarm bus passengers. Instead of a sharp sound the driver's seat gives a vibration that should warn the driver who is falling asleep.


 Rent a car in the Born region? That is possible at Adrem Car Rental! You see: cars are getting smarter and it is only a matter of time before you can buy a fully self-driving car. What do you think of this? Good for road safety? Or a loss of autonomy?

Leave a comment





Related Posts

Until what age do you need a car seat?

Until what age do you need a car seat?

It is extremely important for the safety of your child that you transport him or her in the correct manner…

Read more "

top up oil

How many liters of oil does your car use?

How many liters of oil does a car hold? This is a question many drivers ask themselves, especially when…

Read more "

fill out damage form

Tips for completing a damage claim form after an accident

If you have an accident, you want to be reimbursed for the damage caused by your car insurance, especially if it is your fault…

Read more "