An invisible driver assistant by your side – learn to use driver assistance systems

The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in cars vary by the year of manufacture and trim level of the car. These systems include the blind spot monitor, lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking system. 

“ADAS have become more common over the past decade both as accessories and statutory features. When learning about the ADAS of your own car, utilise the car manual and interface. The manual contains clear instructions and warnings for each system. You should also keep the car’s sensors, cameras and radars clean to ensure the systems work properly,” says Traficom’s Senior Specialist Jukka Juhola.

Before setting out, you should know at least the following about your car’s assistance systems:

• Which systems does the car feature and how do they work?
• Where are the system sensors located and how do you ensure they stay in working order?
• In what kinds of conditions and situations in traffic do the systems work or fail?
• How are the systems switched on and off and how are the settings adjusted?
• What should you consider in special situations: how do the systems work under different weather and road conditions or when navigating unusual transport systems?

“Many ADAS are turned on automatically when the car is started, as they are meant to make driving safer. As a general rule, you should keep all of your car’s ADAS on at all times,” says Juhola. 

The ADAS – Invisible Driver Assistant video series teaches drivers about driver assistance systems 

ADAS – Invisible Driver Assistant is an informative series about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The website and videos explain and demonstrate how the blind spot monitor, automatic lighting system, lane departure warning system, intelligent speed assistance, autonomous emergency braking system, eCall emergency call system, and adaptive cruise control work.

“The aim of the series is to increase drivers’ awareness of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, explain what they are and how they work, and give tips for using the systems in practice. We also want to remind drivers that, despite the use of assistance systems, they are ultimately responsible for controlling the car and driving safely,” says Anna Schirokoff, Traficom’s Chief Adviser and Finnish Coordinator of the NordicWay 3 Project. 

The ADAS – Invisible Driver Assistant video series is part of the EU co-financed project NordicWay 3 (2019–2023), which aims to develop and study the communication of interruption and condition information in road traffic as well as solutions related to road traffic automation. Organisations involved in the production of the video series: Autotuojat ry, Audi, Hyundai, Nissan, Renault and Riihimäen Ajoharjoittelukeskus.