Understanding advanced driver assistance systems

Road collisions remain a leading cause of death and serious injury in the UK. Each year, around 1,700 people begin journeys they tragically do not complete and many of these incidents are entirely preventable.

Advanced driver assistance systems, also referred to as ADAS are a range of technologies fitted to modern vehicles that enhance safety, improve awareness, and support drivers in both routine and emergency situations.

Some features are always active, some require driver input, and others only engage in critical moments. Understanding how they work can help you get the most out of your vehicle and stay safer on the road.

Types of features

Second pair of eyes

These features improve your awareness of the road and surroundings:

• traffic sign recognition
• blind spot warning
• high-beam assist
• drowsiness detection

Helping hand

These systems actively assist with driving tasks:

• adaptive cruise control
• lane-keep assist
• intelligent speed adaptation
• park assist
• rear cross traffic alert

Safety net

Emergency systems that protect you when things go wrong:

• anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• electronic stability control
• forward collision warning
• brake assist
• e-call technology
• tyre pressure monitoring

Advice and guidance

A printable guide is available in the downloads section of this page, or you can select the links below to watch a short video explaining how each feature works and why it matters.

Adaptive cruise control
Uses LiDAR and RADAR to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, especially on motorways and dual carriageways.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Helps maintain steering control during emergency braking, even if it does not reduce stopping distance.

Around view camera
Uses multiple cameras to create a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view of your car, helping with tight manoeuvres and parking.

Automatic emergency braking
Detects potential collisions and applies the brakes automatically, reducing stopping distances and removing human reaction delays, potentially saving lives.

Blind spot warning
Alerts you to vehicles hidden in your mirror blind spots — useful on motorways and when stationary.

Traffic sign recognition
Reads speed limit signs and displays them to help you stay within legal limits.

Drowsiness detection
Monitors driver behaviour and alerts you if signs of fatigue are detected, a vital safety feature.

Tyre pressure monitoring
Warns you of low tyre pressure, helping prevent blowouts and improving fuel efficiency.

Electronic stability control
Assists in maintaining control during sudden manoeuvres or slippery conditions. Can reduce fatal collisions by up to 25%.

Forward collision warning
Uses visual and audio alerts to warn if you’re approaching a stationary object too quickly.

High beam assist
Automatically switches between full and dipped beams when driving at night, reducing fatigue.

Intelligent speed adaptation
Limits your speed to match posted limits, helping avoid unintentional speeding.

Lane departure warning
Provides alerts if you unintentionally drift out of your lane.

Lane keep assist
Actively helps you stay within your lane, reducing the risk of side-swipe collisions.

Park assist
Assists with finding and manoeuvring into parking spaces, ideal for tight urban areas.

Rear cross traffic alert
Detects vehicles approaching from the sides when reversing. In some vehicles, it can also identify other road users, helping prevent collisions when exiting a parking space or driveway.

E-call technology
Automatically contacts emergency services in the event of a serious collision. Can also be used to report incidents.

Brake assist
Ensures full braking force is applied in emergencies, even if the driver doesn’t press the pedal fully.