ADAS Dictionary: How They Help Us Drive

With Spanish roads preparing to accommodate nearly 100 million trips between July and August, the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) and road safety experts emphasize the importance of caution.

In this context, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) emerge as a key ally. The ADAS found in modern cars are essential for safety on long summer trips. From automatic braking to lane assist, these technological allies actively intervene to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences.

But it's not always easy to understand these systems, as they often have acronyms that hardly identify the mission they perform on board.

To clarify these nomenclatures, Carglass Spain has created an ADAS "dictionary" that will make it easier to understand how these systems work to prevent or reduce the severity of accidents.

In the event of an unexpected stop or a driver's distraction, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) detects potential collisions and, if the driver doesn't react, automatically applies the brakes. Other systems, such as Emergency Brake Assist (ESS), warn vehicles behind by rapidly flashing the brake lights, while some cars even alert if a vehicle is approaching dangerously from behind.

To avoid risks when overtaking and changing lanes, Blind Spot Warning (BSW) warns of invisible vehicles. More advanced systems, such as Blind Spot Assist (BSA), can even control the steering or braking. There are also assistants that facilitate lane-changing maneuvers, and even some that, with visual or automatic activation (ALC), suggest and execute safe overtaking maneuvers if conditions permit.

The monotony of long journeys can lead to fatigue. Drowsiness and Distraction Alert (DFD) analyzes the driver's attention level and warns if symptoms are detected. More sophisticated systems monitor eye movement or head position, using AI algorithms. In critical situations, such as illness, the Emergency Stop Assistant can safely stop the car on the hard shoulder or in the emergency lane and contact 112.

Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) adapts the vehicle's speed to the road restrictions based on road signs and navigation. Curve Speed Assist (CSA) adjusts the speed for smooth and safe cornering. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), with Stop&Go function, not only maintains the distance from the vehicle in front, but can also stop and resume driving autonomously in traffic jams.

To prevent unintentional departures, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) warns if the vehicle veers off without signaling. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) goes a step further, gently applying the steering and brakes to re-center the vehicle. Some of these systems even offer side collision protection.

In addition to a well-maintained windshield, systems like the Head-Up Display project key information into the driver's line of vision. For nighttime driving, Automatic High Beam (TLA) switches between high and low beam to reduce glare, and Adaptive Lighting adjusts the beam based on traffic and surroundings, while Cornering Lighting follows the steering angle.

ADAS systems are an essential component of modern safety, working silently to make journeys safer and reduce road risks, especially during peak travel times like summer. But after any windshield replacement, recalibrating the ADAS cameras and sensors is a critical step to ensure their proper functioning, as they are the vehicle's "eyes" and "ears" in risky situations.