Many of us have experienced the frustration of driving at night and constantly having to switch between high and low beams to avoid blinding other drivers. This can be especially challenging while driving on a winding road with varying levels of light. As vehicles become more advanced, technologies such as automatic high beams have been developed to make driving at night safer and more convenient. But what are automatic high beams, and how do they work? This guide will give you a run-down on this relatively new feature in modern cars.

What are Automatic High Beams?

Automatic High Beams (AHB) are an innovative feature designed to make nighttime driving safer and more convenient. AHB systems automatically adjust your car’s headlights between high and low beams based on the surrounding traffic conditions. The goal is to provide drivers with the best possible visibility without the hassle of manually switching between beams and without blinding other drivers. This feature is designed to increase safety for both the driver and other road users while also making driving at night more comfortable and less stressful.

The Technology Behind Automatic High Beams

Automatic High Beams use a combination of sensors and cameras to detect oncoming vehicles and adjust the headlights accordingly. When an oncoming vehicle is detected, the AHB system will automatically switch to low beams to avoid blinding the other driver. Here are the components that make up an AHB system:

• Cameras: These are usually mounted near the rearview mirror on the windshield. They constantly scan the road ahead, detecting the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the taillights of cars in front of you. This allows the system to determine when to switch from high to low beams.

• Light Sensors: These sensors measure the ambient light conditions. For example, they can tell if you’re driving on a well-lit urban street or a dark rural road. Based on this information, they help decide whether the high beams should be on or off.

• Control Unit: This is the brain of the operation. It takes the information from the cameras and sensors and makes real-time decisions. The control unit will switch to low beams if the cameras detect an oncoming car. Once the car has passed, it will switch back to high beams if the road is clear and dark enough.

As with many ADAS systems, many moving parts work together to create a safer and more convenient driving experience. Because of this, each sensor must be calibrated correctly and regularly maintained to ensure the AHB system is functioning properly.

Benefits of Automatic High Beams in Nighttime Driving

While many people tend to focus on the convenience aspect of AHB systems, there are also several safety benefits that come with using this feature during nighttime driving. Some of these benefits include:

1. Improved Visibility: AHB systems ensure that your headlights always provide the correct amount of light. This means you can see obstacles, pedestrians, and other potential hazards much sooner than you might with manual headlight control.

2. Better Road Focus: Constantly switching between high and low beams can be inconvenient, especially on long drives. AHB systems take over this task, allowing you to concentrate more on the road and less on your headlight settings.

3. Increased Safety: One of the biggest risks of using high beams is accidentally blinding oncoming drivers, which can lead to accidents. AHB systems automatically switch to low beams when another vehicle is detected, significantly reducing this risk.

4. Consistent Lighting: AHB systems provide a more consistent lighting experience. This is particularly beneficial on long nighttime drives, as it reduces the strain on your eyes and helps maintain a steady level of alertness.

Because of these benefits, AHB systems have grown in popularity and are now featured in many modern vehicles. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of AHB systems that are available.

Modern Vehicles Equipped with Automatic High Beams

As technology continues to advance, more and more vehicles are being equipped with AHB systems. Here are some of the manufacturers that offer Automatic High Beams in their vehicles:

• Toyota and Lexus: New models from Toyota and Lexus include AHB systems as part of their comprehensive safety packages. Toyota’s Safety Sense and Lexus’ Safety System+ both feature this technology.

• Honda: Select Honda models come equipped with Automatic High Beams as part of the Honda Sensing Suite, which is designed to enhance driver confidence and safety. When driving at night above 25 mph (40 km/h), the system intuitively switches between low and high beams depending on surrounding conditions.

• Ford: Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ technology includes an AHB feature along with other ADAS systems. Co-Pilot360 is available in Ford models that were manufactured in 2023 or later.

• BMW: BMW offers a high beam assist system in many of its new models. However, to activate the AHB feature, drivers must purchase it through BMW ConnectedDrive.

• Mercedes-Benz: The Intelligent Light System in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, such as the E-Class and S-Class, includes Automatic High Beam functionality. This system adjusts the headlights dynamically based on driving conditions and vehicle speed. Other features include automatic headlight range control and corner-illuminating fog lights.

• Audi: Audi offers AHB systems in most of its models. These systems control the light distribution and range of headlights to adapt to changing road conditions and traffic situations.

As you can see, Automatic High Beams are becoming a standard feature in many modern vehicles, reflecting a broader trend toward integrating advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These are only some of the examples from popular car brands; many others are also implementing AHB technology in their vehicles. Check with your car manufacturer or dealership to see if AHB is available in the model you want to purchase.

Car ADAS Can Help You Start Your Own ADAS Sensor Calibration Center

The integration of automatic high beam systems into modern vehicles is just one example of how advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are transforming the automotive industry. These systems not only enhance visibility but also significantly reduce the stress of driving after dark. As with any ADAS, automatic high beams require proper calibration to function correctly and provide the intended benefits. This has led to the emergence of ADAS sensor calibration centers, which specialize in calibrating and maintaining these systems. If you are looking to start your own ADAS sensor calibration center, Car ADAS is here to help. From training to equipment and support, we provide everything you need to set up and run a successful ADAS calibration center. Contact us today to learn more.

Imagine driving with a smart co-pilot constantly working to keep you safe from unpredictable road hazards. That’s what collision avoidance systems do – they’re not just high-end add-ons; they are one of the pillars of safe driving as cars advance. These systems use advanced technology to help drivers avoid collisions, providing an extra layer of protection on the road. In this guide, we’ll explain what you need to know about collision avoidance systems, including their benefits, limitations, and what the future holds.

What is a Collision Avoidance System?

Collision avoidance systems are actually a combination of different passive and active ADAS systems designed to detect, warn, and prevent collisions.

These systems are designed with meticulous attention to detail, anticipating and predicting potential dangers. This enables them to react swiftly and effectively, ensuring safety remains the top priority. For example, if the system detects a vehicle stopping abruptly, the CAS system can quickly alert the driver and apply the brakes, preventing a collision and potentially saving lives.

Collision avoidance systems represent the cutting edge of automotive safety technology, utilizing a range of sensors and cameras to monitor the environment around the vehicle constantly. These systems work together to create a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, providing real-time alerts and interventions when necessary.

How do Collision Avoidance Systems work?

Collision Avoidance Systems function by using a network of various sensors and systems, all working together to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and detect potential road hazards. The primary components of these systems include radar sensors, LiDAR sensors, and cameras, which are fundamental for Collision Avoidance Systems to work effectively.

Radar sensors, typically mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle, utilize radio waves to detect the distance, velocity, and direction of objects around the car. These sensors are crucial for the real-time data they provide, which is integral to the operation of Collision Avoidance Systems. On the other hand, LIDAR sensors emit light waves to create more detailed 3D maps of the environment around the vehicle, offering another layer of data critical for effective collision avoidance.

Camera sensors, working together with the radar and LiDAR sensors, provide essential visual data that can identify objects such as vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signs. Sometimes, ultrasonic sensors are also used in modern vehicles, especially for low-speed functions like parking. All of these sensors work in unison to give the central control unit a comprehensive picture of the car’s surroundings, enhancing the functionality of the Collision Avoidance System.

Together, these cameras and sensors form the backbone of various Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), working together to create safety features like Collision Avoidance Systems that significantly improve safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Passive Systems:

Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS): DMS monitors the driver’s behavior and alerts them if they are showing signs of drowsiness or distraction. This can help prevent accidents caused by driver error.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW): This system uses sensors to detect the speed and distance of objects in front of the vehicle. It then alerts the driver if they are getting too close to a potential hazard, allowing them time to react and avoid a collision.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW): LDW uses cameras to detect lane markings and alerts the driver if they are unintentionally drifting out of their lane. Preventing collisions caused by unintentional lane changes.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): This system uses sensors to detect objects in the vehicle’s blind spots, warning the driver if it is unsafe to change lanes. Helping avoid crashes caused by blind spot visibility issues.

Pedestrian Alert Systems (PAE): PAE uses cameras and sensors to detect pedestrians or other vulnerable road users in the vehicle’s path. This system aims to deter drivers from unintentionally colliding with a pedestrian.

These systems use multiple methods to alert the driver if they detect a hazard or impending accident. Some common methods include visual alerts, such as flashing lights or symbols on the dashboard, and audible alerts, such as beeps or chimes. In some cases, the system may also vibrate the steering wheel or use other tactile alerts. While these are great for alerting the driver, they cannot take control of the vehicle to avoid a collision. This is where we rely on active ADAS systems.

Active Systems:

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB uses sensors to detect potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not respond in time. Helping to reduce the severity of crashes or potentially avoid them altogether. As an example, if the FCW systems alert the driver of a potential collision and the driver does not respond, AEB will kick in to prevent or reduce the impact.

Lane Keep Assist (LKAS): LKAS uses cameras and sensors to monitor the vehicle’s position within the lane. If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane, LKAS will gently steer it back into its proper position. This system is especially helpful for preventing accidents caused by driver drowsiness or distraction if the driver does not respond to alerts given by the DMS.

These active systems not only alert the driver about potential hazards but also take necessary actions to prevent accidents. With the continual evolution of technology and autonomous driving, we can expect these systems to become even more advanced and widespread in the near future.

How do Collision Avoidance Systems Increase Road Safety?

These systems not only protect the vehicle’s occupants but also ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users. By providing real-time warnings and taking proactive measures, they reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), AEB can reduce rear-end collisions by 50%. Similarly, LKAS has shown significant results in preventing lane departure accidents. The introduction of these systems in vehicles has played a significant role in reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities.

Also, collision avoidance systems can aid in reducing traffic congestion. By preventing accidents and maintaining consistent speeds, these systems help keep traffic flow smooth and regular. They also have the potential to reduce travel time by avoiding traffic delays caused by accidents. This improves road safety and saves time for drivers and passengers. As technology advances, we can expect these systems to become even more efficient in minimizing traffic congestion.

The future of collision avoidance systems looks promising with advancements in technology. Some car manufacturers have already introduced Level 2 and 3 autonomous driving features in their vehicles. These features enable the vehicle to take control of steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions. With the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we can expect advancements in autonomous vehicles equipped with advanced collision avoidance systems. These vehicles will have the ability to communicate with other cars and road infrastructure, allowing for a more coordinated traffic flow.

The Limitations of Crash Avoidance Systems

Despite the potential benefits and advancements in crash avoidance systems, they have limitations.

First, these systems heavily rely on sensors, cameras, and radar, which can be impeded by poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, potentially making them less effective.

Additionally, there’s the challenge of over-reliance by drivers. The presence of these systems could lead some drivers to engage in riskier behavior, falsely believing that the system will protect them in all circumstances.

Lastly, there are still concerns about the ability of AI to handle complex or unpredictable situations that human drivers might navigate successfully. While AI systems are improving, they are not perfect, and the consequences of any mistakes can be severe.

Despite these limitations, it’s clear that crash avoidance systems and autonomous vehicles have the potential to reduce the number of accidents on our roads. As more research is conducted, we can expect even greater improvements in road safety through these systems. It will be exciting to see how they continue to evolve and shape the future of transportation.

Automatic Emergency Steering (AES) is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) designed to improve vehicle safety by providing additional steering support in emergency situations. Think of a time you were driving on the highway and suddenly had to swerve to avoid an object on the road or when a car abruptly cut in front of you. In these unexpected scenarios, AES can help keep you and your passengers safe by taking control of the steering and guiding the vehicle away from potential collisions. Below, we will discuss how AES works and what drivers can expect from this technology.

What is Automatic Emergency Steering (AES)

Automatic Emergency Steering is an active safety feature in many modern vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems. It uses sensors to detect potential hazards on the road in front of the vehicle. These hazards can include other cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles such as debris or animals. When a potential collision is detected, AES quickly assesses the situation and determines the best course of action to avoid the obstacle. This can include steering the vehicle away from the hazard or implementing Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) to slow down the vehicle and reduce the impact of a potential collision.

How Does AES Work?

At its core, AES uses electronic systems to analyze data from various sensors and make split-second decisions in emergencies. These sensors can include radar, cameras, LiDAR (light detection and ranging), and ultrasonic sensors. The combined information from these sensors is processed by a central computer system that calculates the safest maneuver for the vehicle based on its speed, direction, and surroundings.

Here is a breakdown of the steps involved in Automatic Emergency Steering Systems:

Detection: Sensors and cameras continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings to detect potential obstacles or hazardous conditions.

Assessment: The ECU uses data from the sensors and cameras to evaluate the proximity, speed, and trajectory of detected objects relative to the vehicle.

Decision: If the system determines that a collision is imminent and cannot be avoided by braking alone, it starts an automatic steering maneuver.

Action: The steering actuator receives signals from the ECU to adjust the steering angle. The vehicle is steered away from the threat while considering the safety of maneuvers to prevent additional risks (like steering into opposite lanes or off the road).

Notification: During and after the intervention, the driver is typically alerted through visual and auditory warnings. The system may also prompt the driver to take control.

The integration of sensors, cameras, and computer systems allows for quick and precise decision-making in emergency situations. These systems rely on advanced algorithms and machine learning to constantly improve their performance.

The Benefits of Automatic Emergency Steering

Automatic Emergency Steering (AES) systems aim to avoid or mitigate collisions, improving vehicle safety for drivers and passengers. Here are some key benefits of this technology:

Enhanced Collision Avoidance:

AES systems are particularly effective in scenarios where braking alone cannot avoid a collision. By adding the capability to autonomously steer the vehicle, AES expands the range of situations where accidents can be prevented. For example, if a vehicle suddenly stops in front of a fast-moving car and there isn’t enough space to brake, Automatic Emergency Steering can steer the vehicle around the obstacle, potentially avoiding a crash altogether.

Increased Reaction Time

Human reaction times can vary and may not always be quick enough to handle sudden road hazards. AES systems continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings with high-speed sensors and cameras, which allow them to react almost instantaneously to threats. This quick response can be lifesaving, especially when every millisecond counts.

Improved Safety in Complex Driving Environments

In complex driving environments where roads can be unpredictable and populated with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, AES systems can step in to assist drivers. In these situations, Automatic Emergency Steering can quickly maneuver the vehicle away from sudden unforeseen obstacles, like a pedestrian stepping out from between parked cars.

Integration with Other Safety Features

In order to maximize road safety, Automatic Emergency Steering works in conjunction with other safety systems like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS). This partnership creates a complete safety system that increases the vehicle’s ability to deal with emergencies. For example, AES can steer the vehicle into a safer position while AEB applies the brakes to reduce the impact speed, minimizing the risks and consequences of a collision.

While Automatic Emergency Steering systems provide a safety net for drivers, remember that they are not meant to replace human drivers. Always remain vigilant and attentive while driving, even when these advanced safety features are active.

The Future of Automatic Emergency Steering

The future of Automatic Emergency Steering (AES) is tied to the evolution of semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles. In fact, many automakers are already incorporating AES into their autonomous vehicle prototypes.

Here is what we can expect to see in the future of AES:

Integration in Autonomous Driving Levels: As vehicles progress through the different levels of autonomy—from Level 2 (partial automation) to Level 5 (full automation)—the role of AES will expand. AES will function as part of a broader group of sensors and decision-making algorithms that handle all aspects of driving, from navigation to obstacle avoidance.

Advancements in Sensor Technology

Future advancements in sensor technology, such as improved radar, LiDAR, and cameras, will enhance the accuracy with which AES systems can detect and respond to hazards.

V2X Communication

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication will enhance AES by allowing vehicles to communicate with each other and with road infrastructure. This communication will provide automatic emergency steering systems with additional data, such as the intentions and positions of nearby vehicles.

Ultimately, as tech companies and automakers continue to invest in the development of autonomous vehicles, we can expect to see automatic emergency steering systems become more sophisticated and widespread.

Challenges and Considerations of AES

While the future of AES is promising, there are still challenges and considerations that need to be addressed:

Automatic emergency steering systems rely heavily on sensors such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR to function properly. These sensors can face limitations under certain conditions:

Bad Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, fog, or snow can impair sensors’ ability to detect obstacles accurately, leading to false positives or missed detections.

Additionally, AES must make complex decisions in real time, which can be challenging in unpredictable or ambiguous driving scenarios:

Ambiguous Situations: Situations involving pedestrians darting into the road or objects falling from vehicles can present complex scenarios for AES to interpret and react appropriately.

Interaction with Human Drivers: AES systems must also predict and adapt to the actions of human drivers, which can be unpredictable.

There are also some ethical and legal questions that arise with AES systems:

Decision Ethics: In unavoidable collision scenarios, the system might need to make decisions to minimize harm. These decisions involve complex ethical considerations that need to be encoded into algorithms.

Liability: Determining liability (whether it falls on the manufacturer, the vehicle owner, or the software developer) in the event of a failure or if the system’s decision results in an accident can be complicated.

Developers and regulators are actively researching and addressing these limitations. In the future, we can expect to see improved sensors, more reliable decision-making algorithms, and clear regulations surrounding the liability of AES systems.

Many of the features on newer cars are enabled by highly technical computer systems, which the industry refers to as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). You likely have a car with ADAS already – these include items like sensors in your bumper that alerts you when you get too close to something, a lane departure warning or a light that comes on if your passenger-side airbag is enabled.

When you get into an accident, these systems can often also be a part of the damage – even if you can’t see it. To understand if any of those important safety systems were affected, your repairer may run a “diagnostic scan” and/or “calibration.” These two actions act as a system check to ensure that all your car’s systems are working properly and help return your vehicle to pre-accident condition.

What are Diagnostic Scans?

Think of a diagnostic scan, or just simply “scans,” as a health check for your car. A repair technician will take a scanning device (which looks like a voltmeter, or a large remote control) and plug it into your vehicle near the steering wheel. This diagnostic tool can then look at all the systems in your specific car, and let the repairer know which systems have errors that need to be addressed.

Typically, your car will have two scans completed on it: one before the repair to let the shop know which systems have issues that need to be addressed, and one after the repair to make sure that every problem has been fixed.

An important note, lots of manufacturers now require at least one scan on a vehicle if it’s been in an accident.

What are Calibrations?

Your car may also be “calibrated” when it’s in the shop. Think of this like a chiropractor visit for your car. They’re checking to make sure all the systems are working properly and “aligned” as they should and adjusted if needed.

Even if you’ve been in a low-speed accident, systems like cameras can still get jostled around. For example, the shop may recalibrate your backup camera, which beeps if you get too close to an object. If your backup camera isn’t calibrated correctly, even by a millimeter, it can translate to you hitting something behind you since the car didn’t realize how close you were, nor was it able to correctly notify you.

To see if these systems are set correctly, your repair shop may perform one of two types of calibrations:

Static: A calibration is done by putting your car on a level surface and measuring specific aspects using tools like laser levels. The process is looking to see if your car’s elements meet the manufacturer targets, down to the millimeter or fractions of a degree.

Dynamic: If static calibrations involve a car in park, dynamic calibrations mean your vehicle is in motion when being tested. The shop will likely take your car out on a busy road to verify that systems are working as they should.

Diagnostic scans and calibrations are part of the process to get you back on the road. If your car has been in an accident, or if something feels off, find a local autobody shop to help scan and calibrate: carwise.com/auto-body-shops.

Carwise™ knows a thing or two about what to look for in a good auto body repair shop. The Carwise network comprised of 17,000 auto body repair shops nationwide. The recommendations on Carwise.com are from real customers who brought their cars to these auto body repair facilities. Whether you are new in your area or you are just looking for an auto body repair shop after an accident, the experts at Carwise.com can help you find a good auto body repair shop near you. Some tips to consider:

BE PREPARED

Look for an auto body repair shop before you need one. The best decisions are made when you are not rushed.

ASK AROUND

Most likely you know family, friends or co-workers who have been involved in some kind of fender bender. Ask them which auto body repair shops they liked and why.

CHECK OUT A SHOP’S REPUTATION

Look up and compare the auto body repair shop facilities that others have told you about on Carwise.com to see their customer ratings and reviews.

LOOK FOR TECHNICAL CERTIFICATIONS

Certifications are a good sign of a reputable auto body repair shop. A certification shows that the auto body repair shop has the appropriate expertise, knowledge and skills required to safely complete and perform quality repairs. Get a written estimate. A good auto body repair shop will give you a written estimate. The written estimate should tell you what needs to be repaired, required parts, and the estimated labor charges.

PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS STAFF

A good auto body repair shop will have helpful staff that should be willing to answer your questions thoroughly.

After you find a good auto body repair shop, Carwise.com can help you track your car’s repair status if the shop you select is within the Carwise network. The ability to track your car’s repair status, get frequent auto body repair status updates, and see photos of your repair in progress via the website or the Carwise mobile app are just some of the benefits you can receive from Carwise.

Sources:

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