How do driver assistance safety features work?

The Technology Behind Driver Assistance Features

Modern safety features like blind spot monitoring (which is available on several of the attractive pre-owned luxury vehicles in our inventory) are helping drivers stay more aware of changing road conditions. However, have you ever wondered how do driver assistance safety features work? In this blog post we are going to go through a few common attractive features coming out on the latest vehicles, and explain a little bit about how they work.

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How do driver assistance safety features work?

Most safety features today operate off a combination of technology systems. Using cameras, radar, GPS navigation. vehicle-to-vehicle communication and cutting-edge LiDAR technology, vehicles are getting closer every day to autonomous driving.

Radar vs LiDAR

autonomous cruise control detecting a vehicle ahead on the roadRadar works by sending out radio signals, and then detecting how they bounce or reflect off objects in their path. LiDAR is new advanced in automotive technology that uses a similar principle, but uses light from a laser instead of radio waves. LiDAR offers an increase in precision that can greatly help cars determine where they are in traffic and in relation to obstacles.

Cameras, Cameras Everywhere

While in the past drivers were lucky to get a rearview camera that would help them back into or out of a tricky parking space, now drivers can enjoy a variety of cameras (including those that offer an overhead, 360 degree view around their vehicle). Using software and complicated algorithms, vehicles can also use cameras to detect possible collisions, and either warn drivers or take their own steps to avoid the dangers.

GPS Navigation

Some vehicles are also already taking advantages of GPS technology to get an idea of the lay of the land (or the layout of the ground). With these precision directives, and all the other attractive technologies, drivers may one day be able to sit back, relax, and let vehicles do their driving for them (except when it’s fun!)

Some models that are on the cutting-edge of driver assistance technology include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and Lexus. Explore these brands in our high-end pre-owned luxury inventory today!