Advanced Collision Avoidance Systems Appearing On More New Vehicles

Advanced Collision Avoidance Systems Appearing On More New Vehicles

Any technology that enables drivers to arrive at their destination safely are highly sought after in an age where there are more drivers on the road. This includes young, inexperienced drivers, distracted drivers, and drivers that may have had one too many before getting behind the wheel. 

When technology comes along that can aid a driver in navigating the sometimes dangerous waters of a daily commute, manufacturers begin implementation very quickly. Here are a few that already come standard on newer vehicles:

• Forward Collision Warning: Visual and/or audible cue to alert the driver and prevent a collision.
• Blind Spot Warning: Visual and/or audible notification of vehicle in blind spot. The system may provide an additional warning if you use your turn signal when there is a car next to you in another lane.
• Rear cross-traffic warning: Visual, audible, or haptic notification of object or vehicle out of rear camera range but could be moving into it.
• Rear Automatic Emergency Braking: Brakes automatically to prevent backing into something behind the vehicle. 
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatically brakes to prevent a collision or reduce collision speed.
• Lane-keeping assist and Lane Centering Assist: Automatic corrective steering or braking provided by the vehicle when crossing lane markings and active steering assistance to stay in between the lines. This is also know as autosteer.
• Adaptive cruise control: Uses a combination of sensor systems to keep a consistent distance between you and the car ahead. If traffic slows, some systems bring the car to a stop and automatically resume speed when traffic is moving.

Of course, there will be a steep learning curve with the newer systems in place. A combination of these features only requires drivers to steer, and in some cases that only includes lane changes and turns. It is also crucial that the required maintenance per the manufacturer's specifications are followed to maintain optimal performance. A certified dealership service center such as BMW Of Sterling in Sterling, VA.

Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: consumerreports.org