Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

How are Internet of Things and ADAS Collectively Reinforcing Vehicular Safety?

Author: Sanjeev Verma
by Sanjeev Verma
Posted: Nov 14, 2019

The market for connected vehicles is always booming. There are already more than 250 million connected cars out there and their growth is 10 times more than the overall car market. These vehicles boast of global telemetry, high-end infotainment, and paramount ADAS systems.

Car manufacturers are investing deeply in Internet of Things and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to make driving safer. These smart technologies with their on-the-spot sensing and processing capabilities are preventing accidents on the road and are offering comfortable driving experiences.

IoT has enabled the development of a CV2X (cellular vehicle to everything) network that connects smart cars, infrastructures, and even pedestrians with each other. This network allows the ADAS systems fitted in a car to assist drivers in various driving operations, lowering the risk of accidents on road.

The amalgamation of both these technologies is not only useful for private car owners but is also highly beneficial in fleet management systems. By using an accurately configured IoT infused ADAS system, drivers are less likely to drive rashly and encounter unsafe road conditions.

Let us delve deep into different areas associated with vehicle safety that are being empowered by IoT and ADAS:

1. Road and weather monitoring:

Harsh weather and road conditions are among the major reasons that cause severe accidents on roads. They are also difficult to deal with as they are hard to predict. Even though weather forecasts provide daily information related to area wise weather conditions, they are often inaccurate and can thus be detrimental to the drivers.

IoT with the help of weather monitoring sensors is already providing drivers with real-time climatic conditions. It can predict changes in weather, allowing drivers to avoid risky areas before they head out. What’s really breath-taking about IoT is the applications it offers along with ADAS systems.

Lane departure warning system is one such application of ADAS that uses small cameras fitted on the rear-view mirrors to alert drivers if the vehicle deviates from a lane. This avoids accidents caused due to sudden lane change. Lane departure warning system along with GPS capabilities of IoT can also be used to find shortest route to reach safe regions. The driver will be guided to remain on a single lane through audio signals until the driver reaches his destination.

ADAS and IoT also offer great applications in terms of detecting pedestrians. As most of the pedestrian-related accident occurs during night, a night vision enabled pedestrian detection system is used to detect living beings. The IoT powered the automated vehicle will instantly stop at its location if a pedestrian is detected in front of the vehicle by this system, preventing fatal injuries to the walker.

2. Preventing traffic:

Being stuck in traffic can be frustrating for many and can sometimes also result in low-speed collisions, leading to heated conversations between vehicle owners. The technology of IoT has enabled the development of smart traffic signals and stop signs that prevent congestion of traffic on roads and crossings. ADAS systems, on the other hand, allow cars to either avoid or glide through heavy traffic.

Adaptive/Radar Cruise Control (ACC) is an intelligent system that uses both ADAS and IoT technologies to automatically adjust the velocities of a car to maintain suitable distance from other vehicles. This is made possible through a V2V (vehicle to vehicle) network that allows cars on road to communicate with each other.

The extension of this technology is a forward-collision warning system that alerts drivers in case a possibility of head-on collision suddenly arises. V2V network calculates the distance, direction, and relative speed of the vehicles and thus guides drivers while they are driving through heavy traffic.

The real-time traffic sign recognition system fitted in vehicles can also interact with smart traffic signals and signs to help drivers follow traffic rules. This will decrease the chances of accidents caused due to light jumping or unsafe driving habits.

3. Implementing safe driving habits:

Internet of Things has empowered healthy and safe driving habits. Connected vehicles and smart infrastructures like smart roads interact with each other through the use of different sensors. The interaction b/w the vehicles and roads detect the driving pattern of drivers and warn them if they drive rashly.

On-board diagnostics in vehicles can even sense the health conditions of the drivers and help them get off-road if they suffer from fatigue. Semi-autonomous vehicles can even take charge to take partial control over driving to help the driver veer off from the road if they don’t respond to their instructions. The above systems are ensuring the safety and health of drivers from accidents caused due to careless driving and distractions.

Even though they might not be fatal, many accidents occur during parking also. Parking assistance systems are the most common ADAS systems that help drivers to accurately and safely park their vehicles. Vehicles embedded with ultrasonic sensors and cameras provide visual assistance to drivers to help them avoid obstacles and passing-by vehicles while they park their cars.

4. Vehicle health maintenance :

Specific IoT sensors monitor the key performing indicators (KPIs) of the automobiles to track their performance and health. This continuous monitoring predicts potential component breakdown, giving ample time to the car owner to replace the part. This is a breakthrough feature of IoT systems as it helps in avoiding accidents caused due to tire bursts or sudden brake failure.

The tire pressure monitoring system is one such ADAS system that uses IoT technology to monitor the pressure of air in car wheels. This system helps in the identification of uneven tire pressure that can result in reduced tread life leading to car slip or even tire bursts.

CONCLUSION:

The blend of IoT and advanced driver-assistance systems are establishing vehicular safety by reducing the possibility of accidents on roads. Both these technologies have opened new doors for car buyers to integrate safety features into their vehicles. By using features like real-time monitoring, these systems are reducing traffic congestion on roads, promoting healthy driving habits, and predicting vehicle failure before they even occur.

However, this is not the end. With advancements in both these technologies, more gadgets and features are going to pop up that will reinforce vehicular safety and gradually reduce accidents on roads.

About the Author

Sanjeev is the founder of Biz4Intellia, one of the leading IoT development companies in Usa. He is extremely passionate about the Internet of Things and keeps on exploring the possibilities unleashed by IoT on a constant note.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Sanjeev Verma

Sanjeev Verma

Member since: Aug 06, 2019
Published articles: 1

Related Articles