Limitations of ADAS

As incredible as new, emerging technologies can be (especially in the automotive industry!), there are limitations that always need to be taken into consideration when putting this technology to practical, real-life use. When it involves driving – something that involves heavy machinery and fast speeds – it’s not just damage to our vehicles, windshields, or roadways that we need to be concerned with. Injury and loss of life are real and painful consequences. 

All types of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) rely on cameras and sensors to gather information from the environment to warn the driver of any potential issues while driving. And while Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can be very effective at decreasing the risk of motor vehicle accidents, and thus saving lives, it is not a perfect system. As drivers, understanding these limitations is extremely important. Let’s dive in!

Camera Limitations.

Cameras provide visual input for ADAS. However, these cameras, even if correctly installed and calibrated, can be susceptible to environmental and atmospheric distortion. If you’ve lived in Arizona for long, your car and its windshield has likely experienced some extreme weather at times (hello Haboobs and Monsoon season!). Bad weather, including dust storms, fog, snow, mist, and heavy rain or hail, can affect camera visibility. And if the driver can’t see clearly AND the camera can’t see clearly, ADAS will be rendered ineffective.

Sensor Limitations.

The automotive industry has tried to find a way around the ADAS camera limitations by using sensors and radar; however, these have limitations as well. Radar and sensors can often struggle with identifying objects. If an object is obstructing the view or there is too much reflectivity, there won’t be a recognizable radar return and the ADAS system may either be incorrect in identifying any potential issue, or even worse, be unable to identify an issue at all.

Driver-Specific Limitations.

Most vehicles with ADAS provide the driver with the option to turn off the technology if they choose so. However, if the driver chooses to engage their ADAS technology, they need to understand how it operates and how to correctly use the information it provides. While vehicles come with a user manual, not everyone actually reads this. 

Some drivers may also rely too much on ADAS technology. Nothing is perfect and that goes for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – wrong judgements can be made with technology, so if a driver is relying solely on the information provided by their ADAS system, it can result in a collision. Drivers who are over reliant on ADAS are also more likely to be distracted while driving. For example, a driver may not check their blind spots before changing lanes or backing up. They also may be more likely to text and drive because they feel their vehicle’s Collision Avoidance System or Pedestrian Detection, will alert them if they need to brake suddenly. Technology can sometimes make us feel safe in situations where we still need to be alert and aware. Driving is one of these situations.

Cost Limitations.

Historically, the cost of installing ADAS technology has rendered it inaccessible to a large percentage of drivers. ADAS availability was, and in some ways still is, limited to higher-end models. Entry level vehicles are often not providing this technology as a standard feature and the cost to upgrade your vehicle to include many ADAS systems, is simply too high for many. This can be a double-edged sword however. The technology behind Advanced Driver Assistance Systems simply works better if there are more participants. 

How Do We Combat These Limitations?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are tools to be used to help protect the drivers and passengers on the road and minimizing any potential limitations ultimately will save lives.

There are legislation plans in place to help implement common standards that will become mandatory for all vehicles, not just the higher-end models, making it more accessible to all drivers.

Radar and sensors are constantly evolving, with notable improvements in longer range and higher resolution capabilities.

Cameras are being adjusted to allow for wide-angle viewing options.

Auto Glass 2020 Can Help.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems rely on precise calibration initially AND after any windshield repair or windshield replacement. Chipped or cracked windshield? Call us TODAY at (480) 283-7751 or get a quote here! We can get your windshield replaced AND properly calibrated to help protect you and your loved ones!