These mandatory security systems have a clear function and are a Interesting security enhancement of the cars, but they are not 100% reliable and we are going to see what risks they can entail.
Advanced driver assistance systems
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), are a set of innovative technological solutions that are integrated into vehicles to improve the safety of both drivers and passengers as well as other road occupants, including pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, they mean for the driver an improvement in the experience behind the wheel.
In 2019 the European Union approved the New Safety Regulation 2019/2144, which included the new regulation on general vehicle safety requirements, the protection of its occupants and vulnerable road users. There it was established that from 2022 a series of driving assistance systems would be mandatory in all cars manufactured. In addition, the denial of new approvals and the subsequent prohibition of registrations (normally 24 months later) are established for all those vehicles that do not have them.
These are at least eight systems: Drowsy Detector (DDR), Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Black Box (EDR), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Emergency Braking System (ESS), Inhibitor starter with breathalyzer and seatbelt alert in all seats.
The European Parliament plans to increase the implementation of ADAS systems (Advanced Driving Assistance Systems) in the coming years. On the road to autonomous driving and firm challenge of reducing accident deaths to zerothe brands are developing other electronic driving assistance systems that they already incorporate into their models and that it is convenient to know.
Faults in the ADAS of the cars
The goal is shared by all, as reducing road fatalities is always something to be lauded about. However, their obligation is questioned as they are not completely reliable systems and that cannot fully replace driver action. We should not in them, since they fulfill their functions perfectly only when there is someone controlling the controls and supervising them.
Some ADAS do not work satisfactorily. For example, the American Automobile Association (AAA) detailed in a study that those who can see these systems very negatively affected by rain and, to a lesser extent, dirt on the windshield. The LDW failed in 69% of the tests conducted in the rain, crossing the rail vehicle. Regarding the EES, 17% of the tests with simulated rain at 40 km/h, and 33% of the tests at 56 km/h, resulted in a collision.
In addition, these increase the maintenance cost of the vehicle, since the glass cannot be changed without further ado. From now on, when the windshield is replaced, it is necessary to re- recalibrate cameras and sensors of the ADAS.
The addition of these systems is causing a false sense of autonomy for the driver. At the wheel, there is too much trust in the action of the ADAS and it is assumed that the car will warn and brake only if it detects a risk of collision. This is leading to a level of loss of attention behind the wheel that increases the risk of accidents, even though the car is equipped with these mandatory safety systems.