A whole cornucopia of new assistance systems has become mandatory for new cars. Here you can find out how the new technology works and what it can do.
With the deadline of July 6, 2022, an EU regulation makes a number of Driver assistance systems mandatory for new cars. This installation obligation applies to newly developed vehicles with immediate effect and will be extended to all newly registered cars in two years' time. The technology should make our vehicles and thus road traffic safer overall. In the following, the function and effect of the new helpers are described in more detail.
Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
Among other things, the installation of an Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), i.e. an intelligent speed assistant, is mandatory. It is intended to support drivers in complying with current speed limits. These are recognized by a camera sensor and/or GPS-supported navigation technology. There are two types of ISA systems. One is cautionary and supportive. The driver is informed that the limit is being observed, for example by a flashing symbol or haptically by an increase in the resistance of the accelerator pedal. An intervening ISA solution, on the other hand, can automatically adjust the vehicle speed to the limit by reducing engine power. In any case, the ISA technology can be overridden or switched off. So if the driver wants to drive faster than permitted, he can do so at any time. The technology should make traffic smoother and quieter, reduce consumption, reduce the number of accidents and better protect drivers from being flashed for speeding violations.
Device for alcohol-sensitive immobilizer
In the future, new vehicles must be equipped with interfaces that allow the installation of alcohol locks. If this technology is on board, a driver would have to blow into a tube before starting the journey, for example. If the alcohol level measured is too high, the corresponding signal can cut off the fuel supply and thus prevent the engine from starting. In Germany in particular, however, there is no legal framework for the mandatory installation of expensive alcohol-based immobilizers. In this respect, the interface available in new vehicles will not also be accompanied by the installation of alcohol locks. In the future, however, drivers who commit alcohol-related offenses could be obliged to install such a technology. This has been practiced in Sweden for many years.
Accident Data Recorder (EDR)
In the future, a black box will be a mandatory feature of cars. This accident data recorder is intended to record data before and after an accident in a closed and anonymous system, similar to flight recorders in airplanes. Data is continuously recorded and overwritten until an event, such as a crash, stops overwriting. Among other things, speed, deceleration, acceleration and position are recorded. This data should then allow an analysis of the events. They can be read by the police or authorities for the purpose of accident analysis.
emergency brake light
Cars equipped with this assistance system signal to vehicles behind that they are braking with particularly strong deceleration. If there is a sustained deceleration of six meters per square second at more than 50 km/h or if the ABS is activated, this is indicated by the brake light flashing in quick succession. If a car is braking hard and comes to a standstill, the hazard warning lights are also activated to warn following vehicles. The emergency brake light is intended to shorten the braking reactions of following road users and thus reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.
reversing assistant
The reversing assistant is designed to make reversing safer. The sensor- and/or camera-based technology informs the driver about people or obstacles that are behind a parking vehicle, for example. In the case of a camera system, the driver is shown a corresponding image; alternatively, sensors trigger an optical, acoustic or haptic signal to warn of a hazard or an obstacle.
Advanced Emergency Brake Assist (AEBS)
The emergency braking assistant (Autonomous Emergency Braking System – AEBS) is designed to actively support the driver if he is not paying attention by warning of the risk of a collision. If necessary, the emergency brake assistant can also automatically initiate emergency braking with the aim of preventing a possible collision. Radar, lidar and camera systems can be used to measure distances. First of all, the sensors must be able to detect obstacles and vehicles. Later, emergency brake assistants will also automatically initiate braking in the event of imminent collisions with cyclists and pedestrians.
Emergency Lane Departure Warning (ELK)
If the lane departure warning system detects an emergency situation when you leave your lane unintentionally, Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) will defuse it with courageous steering interventions. This is to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road or colliding with oncoming traffic.
Drowsiness Alert (DDAW)
The Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW) is known to most as a drowsiness warning. In modern cars, this function is already more widespread. In most cases, the driver's steering movements are analyzed, in some cases the movements of the eyes and their lids are also recorded. If, for example, sudden and strong steering interventions occur due to inattentive driving behavior, the system interprets this as tiredness. To keep the driver alert and to prevent microsleep, he is warned to take a break.
Tire pressure monitoring (new for vans)
Tire pressure monitoring has been mandatory for new cars for many years. In the future, this technology for automatically monitoring tire pressure will also have to be installed in vans, truck trailers, trucks and buses. The system constantly monitors the tire pressure. If this falls below a defined threshold, the driver is warned to check the tire pressure.