Why Active Safety System is Overrated…………..is it really important?
Everybody is talking about active safety systems of passenger cars right from companies’ websites, sales representatives, automobile journalist, auto enthusiasts etc. Let’s understand what exactly an active safety measure is?
Demand for automotive safety measures is increasing in emerging markets like India because of the changing norms of road safety, consumer awareness and increasing vehicle population. The demand is increasing on the back of rising risk of road fatalities and consumer demand.
In simple words; Active safety measures support drivers to prevent an accident. To my mind Active safety system is very important as it helps in collision avoidance and mitigation by providing advance warning or by providing the driver with additional assistance in steering/controlling the vehicle. Since the system remains active when a vehicle is moving hence it is called as active safety. Many active safety systems interpret singles from various sensors with the help of computers so as to support the driver to control the vehicle better.
There are various other examples of active safety like Antilock Braking system, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Good Visibility of driver side, Low noise level in cabin, Clarity of instrument console and Warning symbols, Head–up display, Good handling, Good road grip, Chassis assist, Intelligent speed adaptation, Traction control, Collision warning and avoidance, Adaptive cruise control and Tire pressure monitoring are also considered as active safety systems.
In India;, features like Antilock Braking System and Electronic Brake Force Distribution are not restricted only to luxury cars; these features are now mandatory for all passenger cars.
Let’s see when India will surpass Europe safety norms.
Lets have a look at advanced Active safety features which are available currently only in luxury cars/SUVs.
Autonomous Emergency Braking(AEB)
Autonomous emergency Braking(AEB): AEB system provides warning to driver in case driver does not respond to avoid or minimize the impact of an accident and also helps with sufficient braking and ultimately stops the car to avoid collision. The AEB system can automatically detect a potential forward collision and assist the driver by providing a warning. The system then automatically activates the braking system to decelerate the vehicle to avoid collision.
Adaptive Cruise Control(ACC)
The ACC system can automatically adjust vehicle speed to maintain safe distance between your car and from the vehicle ahead. System slows down or speeds up the vehicle automatically. Now days ACC systems are also linked with collision avoidance systems to alert the driver during emergency situations.
Blind Spot Monitoring System(BSMS)
BSMS automatically warns drivers during critical situations while changing lanes on freeways. Blind spot detection watches vehicles moving behind as well as both left and right of the driver. This system was initially developed by Volvo and used cameras to detect anything that was approaching the vehicle. Modern systems use radar that are placed in the rear bumper of cars. Some car manufacturers even use sensors that monitor rear surroundings of cars. When the driver turns on an indicator if an adjacent vehicle is approaching; system automatically shows a warning light either on A pillar or ORVM.
Lane Keep Assist
The Lane Keep Assist or lane departure warning system provides brief gentle inputs when driver’s unintentional drifting of lane. Warning does not occur when the driver intentionally turns the indicator on and turns steering for normal lane change. If the vehicle unintentionally enters another lane, the system activates a visual alert on the dashboard or an audible alert or vibration of a steering wheel.
Parking Assistant System
The parking assistance system can automatically park the car. The Park Assist system is one of the most advanced systems currently available in high end luxury cars. This system enable car to steer, accelerate and brake itself to park without any effort of the driver. This system can even judge adequate parking space. This system uses camera and sensors to analyze precise parking space. Some advance parking system can park automatically even when driver standing outside the vehicle. Some parking assist system uses multiple ultrasonic sensors placed front and back of the car. In some cars when vehicle is moving at less than 5 mile per hour if vehicle detect any object within 8 ft or 2.4 meters of proximity behind the vehicle and 4 ft or 1.2 meters front of vehicle the car rear speakers beeps. Beep intensity increase as vehicle move close to the object. Some vehicles even display warnings on their dashboards.
Heads Up Display
A Heads-Up Display (HUD) provides a digital transparent navigation screen on the windshield that helps drivers keep focus on the road ahead. Head up display is a wide colour image that is projected by a special device on the dashboard. Information displayed by the HUD is very much similar to multi information displayed on the dashboard. The set up of lenses, mirror, windshield and other components make it seem like a floating cloud above the hood. The sole objective of HUD is to focus on the road ahead and minimize distraction of drivers while driving.
Facial Recognition Software
Luxury cars like Jaguar and Land Rover are equipped with more advanced technologies. System can sense the passengers are feeling hot and the car will automatically drop AC temperature or increase fan speed. System can detect the dizziness of the driver and can immediately sound the alert.
Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) Communications
V2V and V2I constantly broadcast information about cars like location and speed. The vehicles can wirelessly share information about position and speed data so as to prevent accidents. It can also help to ease traffic congestion and improve the environment. It could take a decade for more sophisticated V2V communications into life saving potential.