Safety Assists Technologies

 are systems to help the driver in the driving process. When designed with a

safe human-machine interface, they should increase car safety and more
generally road safety.

 These technologies are Automatic emergency braking, pedestrian automatic

emergency braking, rearview video system (RVS), Forward collision warning
(FCW), A lane departure warning (LDW), Blind spot detection (BSD) and An
automatic crash notification (ACN)  

Overview

 In 2016, 37,461 people died in motor vehicle crashes. Research shows that the vast
number of vehicle crashes are tied to human error. NHTSA(National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration) is working to promote safety through sharing
information on vehicle technologies that hold the potential to reduce the number of
crashes and to save thousands of lives every year.

Technology Saves Lives

 NHTSA stands at the forefront of new and evolving vehicle technologies, working
alongside industry partners and safety advocates to ensure vehicle buyers have the
latest information regarding safety equipment. Driver assistance technologies not
only keep drivers and passengers safe, but they keep other drivers and pedestrians
safe, too. Automakers are constantly developing and implementing these new
technologies, while NHTSA shares safety-related performance data and explains to
the consumer how these new technologies work. From blind spot detection to
braking systems, find the latest in driver assistance technologies below.

Automatic Emergency Braking Systems

 Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems detect an impending forward crash

with another vehicle in time to avoid or mitigate the crash. These systems first alert
the driver to take corrective action and supplements the driver’s braking to avoid
the crash. If the driver does not respond, the AEB system may automatically apply
the brakes to assist in preventing or reducing the severity of a crash. 

Pedestrian automatic emergency braking

 A pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) system—also known as frontal

pedestrian impact mitigation braking—is an emerging safety technology that
provides automatic braking for vehicles when pedestrians are in front of the vehicle
and the driver has not acted to avoid a crash.
How does it work?
A PAEB system is a crash avoidance system that uses information from forward-looking
sensors to automatically apply or supplement the brakes when the system determines a
pedestrian is in danger of being hit by a vehicle. PAEB systems typically use cameras, but
some also use a combination of cameras and radar sensors.

Backup Camera

 A rearview video system (RVS), also known as a backup camera, is a safety

technology that helps prevent back-over crashes and protect our most vulnerable
people—children and senior citizens. By providing an image of the area behind the
vehicle, backup cameras help drivers see behind the vehicle.

 How does it work?

When a driver shifts a vehicle into reverse, the RVS shows—either in the dashboard
or in a small display in the rearview mirror—an image of the area behind the
vehicle. The field of view includes a 10-foot by 20-foot zone directly behind the
vehicle. It’s important to remember that rearview video systems are not a
replacement for mirrors or turning around to look; rather, they’re an added safety
tool for revealing hidden dangers.

Forward Collision

 A forward collision warning (FCW) system is an advanced safety technology that

monitors a vehicle’s speed, the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and the distance
between the vehicles. If vehicles get too close due to the speed of the rear vehicle, the
FCW system will warn that driver of an impending crash. It’s important to note
that FCW systems do not take full control of the vehicle or keep the driver from
operating it.

 How does it work?

FCW systems use sensors to detect slower-moving or stationary vehicles. When the
distance between vehicles becomes so short that a crash is imminent, a signal alerts
the driver so that the driver can apply the brakes or take evasive action, such as
steering, to prevent a potential crash. Vehicles with this technology provide drivers
with an audible alert, a visual display, or other warning signals, and in this way,
help prevent frontal crashes into the rear of slower moving or stopped vehicles.

Lane Departure

 What is a lane departure warning system?

A lane departure warning (LDW) system is an advanced safety technology that
alerts drivers when they unintentionally drift out of their lanes without a turn
signal. It’s important to note that LDW systems do not take full control of the
vehicle or keep the driver from operating it.

 How does it work?

LDW systems use a camera to monitor lane markings and detect when a vehicle is
drifting out of its lane of traffic. When it detects that a vehicle is veering out of its
lane, an audio, visual, or other alert warns the driver of the unintentional lane
shift so the driver can steer the vehicle back into its lane.

Blind Spot Detection

 Blind spot detection (BSD) systems warn drivers with an audio or visual warning if
there are vehicles in adjacent lanes that the driver may not see. The alert helps
facilitate safe lane changes.

 How does it work?

BSD systems use digital camera imaging technology or radar sensor technology to
detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and warn drivers of approaching vehicles. These
systems are most effective when drivers are passing other cars, being passed, or
making a lane change. Some systems also provide warnings when vehicles are an
extended rear zone, and some provide warnings only if the vehicle’s turn signal is
on.

911 Notification

 An automatic crash notification (ACN) system is an emerging safety technology

designed to notify emergency responders that a crash has occurred and provide its
location.

 How does it work?

In most cases, when the ACN sensor detects either that an air bag has deployed or
that there’s been a dramatic and sudden deceleration, the system automatically
connects to an operator, who will then be able to communicate with passengers in
the vehicle after a crash. The operator is also able to collect basic information from
the vehicle, without passenger input, to provide to emergency responders so they
can easily locate and reach the scene of the crash.
CRUMPLE ZONES AND OTHER SAFETY ASSIST TECHNOLOGY

A.) CRUMPLE ZONE

-Work by absorbing crash energy within the outer parts of a vehicle, rather than
transferring this crash energy to passengers.

-Usually placed at the front and back of the automobile and are made of slightly lighter,
more ductile materials than the rigid parts of the car e.g. passenger compartment/engine.

B.) OTHER SAFETY ASSIST TECHNOLOGIES (SAT)

1.)SPEED ALERT

Speed Alarm (Manual)

 - A speed alarm alerts the driver when the vehicle exceeds a (pre-set) speed.
 
Intelligent Speed Alert Systems (ISA)
-Determine the speed limit of the vehicle location and alert the driver if the vehicle is over
the speed limit (passive alert).
 
Top Speed Limiter
 -Results in a vehicle not being able to travel above a set speed for an extended time. The
limit must be no more than 120km/h.

2.) FATIGUE ASSISTANCE

Attention Assist (Fatigue Detection)
-Use sensors to monitor driver attention and detect drowsiness, alerting the driver and
prompting a break.

Fatigue Reminder
-System monitors the length of continuous driving (trip timer) and encourages the driver to
take a rest through visual alert messages which are displayed for the driver.

3.) ROLLOVER PROTECTION

Roll Stability System

-An advanced form of electronic stability control that are capable of detecting a potential
rollover and initiating corrective action to stabilize the vehicle.

Rollover Occupant Protection Systems

-Detect a rollover and deploy systems such as curtain airbags, which are designed to stay
inflated longer than frontal airbags.

Rollover Warning
-Systems monitor vehicle dynamics and detect, then alert the driver, of an increased risk of
rollover.

4.) ADVANCED LIGHTING

Adaptive Front Lighting Systems

-Headlights that adjust their direction when turning corners/curves or on hills providing
enhanced driver vision at night time or in poor light conditions.

Automatic Headlights
-Systems detect low levels of light and automatically activate the headlights.

Automatic High Beam

-Systems use forward facing sensor systems to detect vehicles ahead and switch high beam
lights on and off accordingly, maximizing driver vision.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
-Lights specially designed to be ON during daytime driving, improving the visibility of the
vehicle to other road users.
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
-Provide a signal, such as the flashing of hazard lights, alerting vehicles behind that severe
braking has been applied.
Night Vision Enhancement
-Improve driver vision during night driving through intelligent or high intensity lighting.

5.) CONNECTED ROADS & CARS

Automatic Emergency Call (eCall)

-Detect when the vehicle has been involved in a severe collision and alert emergency
services with a location.

Traffic Sign Recognition

-Based on optical recognition technology and assist the driver in recognizing and
interpreting traffic signs.

Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) Communications

-Advanced communication systems which allow vehicles to communicate with other
vehicles as well as infrastructure, providing drivers with information such as upcoming
hazards, emergency vehicles, and traffic light changes.
6.) RESTRAINTS
Three Point Seat Belts (3PSB)
-Incorporate both a lap and sash belt in a unitized configuration.
-Provide superior protection compared to two-point lap seat belts, spreading the load over
the chest, pelvis and shoulders.

Seat Belt Reminders (SBR)

-Alert the driver when passengers are not wearing their seat belts

Seat Belt Interlocks

-Require the driver to put on their seat belt before the vehicle can be driven.

Head Restraints
-Attached to the top of each seat and limit the rearward movement of an adult occupant's
head, relative to the torso, in a rear end collision.

Top Tether (TT) Anchorages for Child Restraints

-Upper anchorage points for second [and third] row seating positions that provide
connection so that child restraints may be adequately secured to the vehicle.

7.) SUPPLEMENTARY AIRBAGS

Side Airbags / Head Protecting Technology (HPT)

-Can be either side torso airbags (which deploy from the side of the seat and
extend upwards to protect the head) or curtain airbags (which deploy from
the roof sill downwards to protect the head), or a combination of the two.
Inflatable Seat Belts
-Inflatable seat belts house a tubular airbag within the webbing of the belt which inflates
during a crash to provide increased head support and spread seat belt loading to
occupants.

Additional Occupant Protection Airbags

-Are extra airbags that are not assessed by the current ANCAP tests. For instance
additional occupant protection airbags may include rear seat frontal airbags or rear seat
thorax airbags.

Driver Knee Airbags

-Designed to protect the knees of the driver in the event of a serious collision.

8.) BRAKING & STABILITY

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

-Detect if a vehicle is about to lose traction during cornering and
braking and adjust the braking to individual wheels to maintain
vehicle stability.

Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)

-Intelligently distribute the brake forces between wheels to maximize the
available traction at each point.

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

-Detect that brakes have been applied in an emergency, and assist the driver by providing
extra force to the brakes improving braking performance.
9.) COLLISION WARNING & AVOIDANCE

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

-Systems use ESC and sensor technology to detect the speed and
distance of objects in the vehicle’s path and automatically brake
if the driver does not respond in order to avoid or minimize the
severity of an accident.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

-Uses radar or similar technology to detect vehicles travelling in the same lane ahead, and
controls the vehicle speed in order to maintain a safe and suitable travelling distance.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

-Monitor the driver’s “blind spot” in adjacent lanes and warn the driver if a vehicle is
present through either a visual or audible alarm or vibration of the steering wheel.

Following Distance Warning

-Use radar to determine the distance to the vehicle travelling in front, and warn the driver
if the distance is too close.

Hill Launch Assist

-Assist systems automatically use the brake to hold the vehicle stationary while the driver
moves their foot from the brake pedal to accelerator pedal.

Intersection Collision Warning

-Use radar systems or similar to detect if vehicles are approaching from the side at
intersections and alert the driver of a possible collision.

Lane Support Systems (LSS) / Lane Keep Assist (LKA)

-Recognize lane markings and alert the driver through either an audible or visual warning
or vibration of the steering wheel if the vehicle is leaving the lane without indicating. Active
systems may automatically steer the vehicle back within the lane if the driver fails to do so.

Pre-Crash Systems
-Detect that a collision will occur and take action preparing the vehicle and the occupants
for the impact. Some examples are reducing slack in seat belts, adjusting seating positions,
and shutting windows.

Reversing Collision Avoidance

-Systems are driver aids, such as reversing camera or sensors, to help identify objects in the
path of the reversing vehicle.

10.) OTHERS

Alcohol/Drug Ignition Interlock

-Require the driver to 'pass' a breath (alcohol) test in order for the vehicle to be driven.

Trailer Stability Control

-Recognize the early stages of dangerous trailer sway and apply the vehicle's

brakes to stabilize the trailer.

Electronic Data Recorder (EDR)

-Record important information, such as speed and traction, in the event of a severe
collision.

Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)

-Use sensors to alert the driver when tire pressure drops below a designated pressure.

Smart Key
-Can be programmed to place operating restrictions on a vehicle, such as time of day, or
maximum speed.