Today’s vehicles are smarter and safer thanks to advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) that help make driving safer, easier, and more convenient.

But what exactly are ADAS technologies and which ones are commonly found on automobiles that ply the Philippine roads?

Anti-lock braking system

Arguably one of the most common ADAS function found on many of today’s vehicles is the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The said ADAS feature ensures that the wheels do not lock up when braking. On that note, the wheels are allowed to maintain tractive contact with the road, which translates to better control over the vehicle in such driving scenarios.

To put it simply, ABS will prevent the wheels from locking when the driver steps on the brake pedal to prevent the car from skidding.

Many cars now have ABS including small ones like the Honda Brio to large vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Cruise control

Cruise control is also a common ADAS feature offered by many of today’s vehicles here in the Philippines.

This ADAS feature allows the driver to set the vehicle to run on a specific speed, letting them to take their foot off the accelerator pedal to ease foot-fatigue and stress when driving for long periods of time.

Nameplates that have such function include the Ford Territory’s Titanum trim.

Some cars are now equipped with an evolved version of the said ADAS technology called adaptive cruise control. The difference it has from its predecessor is that adaptive cruise control allows the car to adjust its speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front.

For example, if the car in front begins to slow, adaptive cruise control will also cause the vehicle to decelerate and maintain the selected distance.

Ford Territory’s Titanium X variant comes with adaptive cruise control.

Lane departure warning

Many of today’s vehicles now come with lane departure warning. The system works by recognizing if the vehicle is switching lanes without using the turn signal, then warns the driver by way of either visual, audible, or most commonly vibration warnings.

This is helpful — as long as the lanes can be read by the system — since it can help prevent collisions by catching the attention of the driver.

Automobiles that have a feature similar to lane departure warning include the Nissan Almera and the Hyundai Staria.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa, Ruben Manahan IV, and Hazel Nicole Carreon

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