Autonomous driving often makes headlines, but achieving full autonomy, especially in a diverse country like India, is still a tough challenge. Instead, a new technology called ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance System, is gaining popularity worldwide. ADAS helps in managing fleets by making driving safer and easier.
So, managing a fleet of commercial vehicles means prioritizing safety above all else.
For instance, if your car has ADAS, it can alert you if you’re about to hit something or if there’s a sudden obstacle on the road. It can also help you park in a tight space by giving you precise directions.
What is a Driver Monitoring System (DMS)?
A Driver Monitoring System (DMS) uses inward-facing cameras and AI algorithms to monitor fleet drivers. It looks for signs of distraction or sleepiness and checks if drivers are following safety rules. For example, DMS can spot if a driver is drowsy or not paying attention and then alert them to stay focused. This can prevent accidents and ensure that drivers are driving safely.
Best Features of ADAS Software
While proper driver training is still essential, ADAS certainly offers an extra layer of safety. Without a doubt, it’s a smart investment, adding more “eyes” on the road. Here are some key ADAS features have been discussed:
1. Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature automatically adjusts your vehicle’s speed to keep a safe distance from the car in front. Many big fleet companies use it to make long drives easier and less tiring for their drivers. It helps take some of the stress out of those long hauls on the highway.
2. Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking: Accidents can happen quickly, especially when drivers are tired or distracted. This system alerts the driver if they get too close to another vehicle. If the driver doesn’t react in time, the system can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear-end collision.
3. Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist: Long hours on the road can cause unintentional lane drifting. This feature tracks lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift. Some systems can even steer the vehicle back into the proper lane if needed.
4. Blind Spot Monitoring: Blind spots can be dangerous, especially for larger trucks. This system scans blind spots and alerts drivers to any vehicles they might miss before changing lanes.
5. Night Vision and Pedestrian Detection: ADAS uses infrared cameras to detect pedestrians, animals, or debris on the road that might be hard to see at night, providing an extra layer of safety.
6. Driver Monitoring: This system uses cabin-mounted cameras and sensors to monitor the driver’s behavior and alertness. If it detects signs of distraction or drowsiness, it sounds an alert to prevent accidents.
7. Tire Pressure Monitoring: Tires are important for safety, yet often overlooked. ADAS tracks each tire’s pressure and temperature, warning drivers of underinflation or overheating to prevent blowouts.
8. Distraction Monitoring: DMS can detect if the driver is not paying attention to the road, such as when texting or eating. This is helpful for taxi fleets where drivers spend long hours on the road.
9. Fatigue Monitoring: This alerts the driver to take a break when it detects signs of tiredness. It’s crucial for trucking fleets where drivers cover long distances.
10. Driver Identification: This is useful in fleets where multiple people use the same vehicle. For instance, in a car rental company, the DMS can remember different driver profiles and adjust car settings automatically.
How Do ADAS and DMS Work Together?
ADAS fleet management includes features like lane departure warning, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. These technologies help drivers avoid accidents by providing alerts and taking action when potential dangers are detected. For example, if a pedestrian suddenly steps into your path, ADAS can sense the danger and automatically brake the car to avoid an accident.
DMS, on the other hand, keeps an eye on the driver. It uses sensors and cameras to monitor driver alertness and issues warnings when it detects signs of drowsiness or distraction. Imagine you’re at the end of a long drive, feeling tired, and your eyelids are getting heavy. A well-functioning DMS would sense this and alert you with a vibration in the seat or a warning icon on the dashboard, reminding you to take a break.
Common Misconceptions About ADAS and DMS
Many people think that ADAS systems and DMS are designed to replace the driver and take control of the vehicle. This is not true. Their main purpose is to assist the driver, helping them make safer and more informed decisions. When combined, ADAS and DMS can provide a powerful safety net. For instance, if ADAS detects an imminent collision but DMS senses the driver is not attentive, the DMS can prompt ADAS to take necessary actions like auto-braking or steering correction.
Before You Go!
ADAS provides an extra set of eyes on the road, while DMS ensures that the driver is alert and focused. Together, they create a robust safety mechanism that can significantly reduce accidents and make our roads safer. Investing in these technologies is a wise choice, especially for large vehicle fleets. They help drivers navigate safely through crowded cities and long, tiring drives, focusing on the human behind the wheel – and that makes all the difference.
Investing in ADAS alone pays off by reducing costs for insurance, maintenance, and worker’s compensation. Most importantly, it ensures your drivers get home safely each night. ADAS software, like TrackoBit, helps fleet management to improve overall fleet safety.
