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Assistive driving technology, otherwise known as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), can make driving safer and easier. When you’re worried about drifting into another lane or missing a car in your blind spot, ADAS can alert you and help prevent accidents. Even so, you may be wondering who measures the effectiveness of these systems to ensure they live up to their safety claims.
Across the globe, multiple entities weigh in on ADAS standards. Keep reading to learn more about the different regulators and groups setting the rules for assistive driving tech.
Regulating Safety in the U.S.
For American drivers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the primary federal body in charge of regulating vehicle safety and setting standards. They test technologies used in modern cars, including automatic braking for pedestrians and collision warnings.
NHTSA also oversees the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which assigns ratings for new car safety. The NCAP’s goal is to lower the number of crashes and improve safety awareness in vehicle design.
Ultimately, NHTSA helps ensure that automakers are meeting high standards for safety. With a robust combination of research and testing, NHTSA is the highest authority on vehicle crashworthiness in the U.S.
Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) can impact automakers’ decisions on integrating safety features in new vehicles. Rather than simply meeting a standard, automakers may go above and beyond to earn higher marks from the influential and independent IIHS.
With funding from insurance companies, IIHS provides recognized safety ratings based on actual crash outcomes. Consumers looking to buy a new pickup or sedan often will consult IIHS for guidance.
Creating Safer Roads in Europe Through a Layered Approach
Europe monitors ADAS through a blend of regulations and ratings. With the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in place, European drivers can trust that their vehicles meet robust technical standards. Cars are required to meet these regulations, which promote safety and environmental responsibility.
The UNECE isn’t the only critical body monitoring car safety. Although automakers are not required to meet their standards, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) offers a multifaceted assessment of car safety that affects consumer perception.
Euro NCAP looks at crash avoidance technologies, crash protection, accident prevention, and emergency response. With strict performance requirements, Europ NCAP adds another layer of safety evaluation.
Meeting Global Expectations in China
The China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) uses crash tests and other tests to help consumers know what to expect from cars. C-NCAP looks at frontal impact tests and whiplash protection to evaluate how well vehicles protect passengers.
Other key tests scrutinize emergency braking and child restraint systems. Increasingly, modern vehicles need to show that their smart driving features are reliable in busy urban traffic situations. With C-NCAP, cars are rated anywhere from zero to five stars depending on performance.
Demonstrating Reliability Through Testing
Automakers have a lot at stake when it comes to ADAS and their reputations in the global marketplace. Safety systems need to be user-friendly, dependable in all types of driving conditions, and accurate. System sensors should work seamlessly with other parts of the vehicle.
For everything to work as expected, automakers have to commit to regular testing. Simulating braking scenarios and examining sensor integration are key pieces of the puzzle. The best advanced driver assistance systems testing is thorough, looking at everything from RTK-level GPS positioning to unique driving maneuvers to check system safety and show regulatory compliance.
Building Better Vehicles
Assessing assistive driving tech requires a comprehensive approach that is constantly open to revision. Leading government organizations, including NHTSA and Euro NCAP, help create and refine standards that keep roads safer worldwide. Today’s consumers want transparent testing that holds automakers accountable for their approach to integrating safety features into every new vehicle.
With the right approach, automakers can meet standards established by government bodies and independent agencies. Perhaps more importantly, they can create vehicles that make driving safer.
