Times have changed as automakers add new, automated safety features to vehicles. These new technologies known as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), operate using sensors that work in tandem with computers, cameras, radar and LIDAR. Some of those sensors are housed in the front or rear windshield.
ADAS technologies most often mounted in a windshield include autonomous emergency braking (AB), lane-departure warning, collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. This makes windshield replacement more difficult. The sensors and the equipment they are paired with must be calibrated so the system components work together correctly. Replacing a windshield means that the sensors must be replaced in the new glass, and the sensors and accompanying equipment must be calibrated so the system operates as it should. If a sensor gets moved just a millimeter it can throw off the ADA system. If the system isn’t working properly the driver may not be aware of the malfunction until an accident occurs.
What kind of ADAS systems are there? Some features now come standard in new vehicles and others are optional, however, most, if not all, of the systems within ADAS fall under these categories:
- Adaptive – Systems that change/adapt based on input from the surrounding environment.
- Automated – Systems that take over and perform certain functions that a driver cannot do safely.
- Monitoring – Systems that use sensors, cameras, or other means to observe the surrounding area or driving of the vehicle and assesses whether a correction needs to be made.
- Warning – Systems that alert the driver to potential issues in their own driving or the driving of others that could increase the risk of injury to those in the vehicle.
Examples of ADAS are:
- Blind Spot Warning Light
- On your side view mirror, you may see a blind spot warning light alerting you of a vehicle or other obstruction when you begin to signal a turn. The blind spot monitor detects other vehicles to help you avoid collision as you shift lanes on an interstate or back out of a parking space.
- Radar System
- A car radar system detects traffic issues that you may not be fully alert to. These include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Cross traffic interference at intersections
- A car radar system detects traffic issues that you may not be fully alert to. These include:
Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure & Adaptive Cruise Control
For your safety, the collision avoidance systems are put in place to decrease the amount of avoidable crashes. From rear and forward collision warnings that bring your vehicle to a halt, to lane departure warnings that help you stay in your lane, the goal of these ADAS is to minimize accidents. On-board sensors assist with adaptive cruise control that help you maintain a safe following distance by automatically adjusting your cruising speed.
Here are some additional examples of specific ADAS systems:
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
- Adaptive head lights
- Adaptive light control
- Automatic braking systems (ABS)
- Automatic parking
- Blind spot monitors
- Pedestrian monitors
- Proximity monitors
- Driver drowsiness detection
- Collision avoidance system
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Lake departure warning
It is important to know if your vehicle has ADAS because it helps improve road safety and may put you at risk if any of those systems are tied to the windshield should it need repair or replacing.
If your windshield is damaged and needs replacement, be sure to check with the original manufacturer for which ADAS systems are tied to the windshield so that you have these systems reinstalled and recalibrated.
The windshield is an important part of the array of interlinked safety systems of your vehicle too and should be repaired or replaced immediately, but the auxiliary safety systems play an equal part in keeping the driver and passengers safe as well.
Business and personal insurance in Washington County, WI can be provided to you by R. S. Semler & Associates Insurance, Inc. After a brief consultation with us, we are able to tailor policies specific to your unique situation because we represent numerous insurance companies and have local licensed agents on staff in Hartford, WI available to help you when you need it most. You can learn more about us and insurance at www.rssemler.com or call us at 800-414-5875.