Collision Avoidance Systems

What are collision avoidance systems?

A collision avoidance system is a program designed to prevent or reduce the severity of vehicle collisions. This type of system was originally designed for high-end cars, but the technology is now making its way into more mainstream models. The most popular forms of this technology include:

• Forward collision warning – alerts the driver via a beep if they are closing in on the vehicle in front of them too quickly.
• Lane departure assist and warning – monitors your car’s distance from each lane line, alerting you if you stray over the line.
• Rear cameras and parking assist – prevents back-over accidents by alerting the driver when they are close to an obstacle.
• Blind spot monitoring assist – when a vehicle is in the blind spot, the driver will be alerted so they can initiate corrective methods.

What do collision avoidance systems do?

Once an impending collision is detected, the system alerts the driver via beeping, vibrations or dashboard alerts, or it slows the car down without the driver’s influence.

How does collision avoidance systems work?

They can use either camera, radar, or laser technology to sense vehicles, pedestrians or obstacles around your vehicle. Depending on the collision avoidance system you have will depend on how you’re alerted to the danger, this could be either via the dashboard, or vibrating steering wheel. Some more advanced systems can take corrective actions for you when they detect a potential collision.