If you own a car built within the last few years, chances are, it has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). From lane-keeping to automatic braking, ADAS is already transforming how we drive — making roads safer and smarter.
But how do these technologies shape the future of autonomy?
We’ll explore standard ADAS features, their role in self-driving cars, and what’s next for this game-changing tech.
What Is ADAS?
Simply put, ADAS features are electronically controlled functions that help automate specific driving tasks, improve vehicle control, and enhance road safety.
How do these work?
These systems run with the help of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor surroundings and respond to potential hazards.
Check out the top ADAS features you should look for in your next car.
5 Must-Have ADAS Features in 2025
Here are some of the ADAS technologies a safe car should include:
1. Automatic Emergency Braking
This feature allows the car to brake without driver input when a potential collision is detected.
Most systems use a forward-facing camera and a radar sensor to detect an impending collision. Based on the data, the computer decides when to warn the driver of an impending collision. If the driver doesn’t heed the warning, the system automatically applies the brakes.
2. Lane Keeping Assist
The lane-keeping assist system uses a camera to determine lane position and a radar sensor to determine the proximity of other vehicles. If the vehicle veers from its lane, the system uses an electronically controlled steering rack to nudge it back into position.
3. Adaptive Cruise Control
The technology reduces the need for constant manual inputs by automating speed adjustments to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Adaptive cruise control can slow down, accelerate, and even bring the vehicle to a complete stop in heavy traffic. This helps make long commutes smoother and less tiring.
4. Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Assist
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) work together to prevent speeding tickets, improve road safety, and reduce driver fatigue.
TSR uses front-facing cameras and GPS data to detect road signs, such as speed limits and displays them on the dashboard or in a head-up display.
ISA actively helps drivers maintain legal speeds by warning them when they exceed limits or automatically adjusting the vehicle’s speed.
5. Blind Spot Detection
The blind spot detection system scans for nearby vehicles when changing lanes and alerts you if another car is in your blind spot.
Unlike the previously mentioned ADAS functions, blind spot monitoring is considered a passive system rather than an active system. This is because it simply alerts the driver instead of taking any actions on its own.
Besides these key features, there are a host of other ADAS functionalities to make your drives safer.
Additional ADAS Features Worth Exploring
- Forward collision warning: Alerts you if a frontal crash is imminent.
- Rear cross traffic warning: Warns you of approaching vehicles when reversing.
- Pedestrian detection: Identifies pedestrians and warns or brakes to prevent collisions.
- Reverse automatic emergency braking: Stops the car if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
- Parking assist: Helps maneuver into parking spots with minimal driver input.
- Remote parking: Allows parking via a smartphone or key fob without being inside the car.
- Surround view monitor: Provides a 360-degree overhead view for easier parking.
- Driver monitoring: Detects drowsiness or distraction and alerts the driver.
So, how do these ADAS features contribute toward higher levels of vehicle autonomy?
The Role of ADAS in Autonomous Driving
Everywhere you look, there’s much hype about autonomous cars being just around the corner. But the truth is, they’re already here, thanks to ADAS!
As defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), there are six levels of autonomy, from 0 to 5.
Here’s what each means:
- Level 0: There is no automation, and the driver has complete control of the car. Basic system alerts, like blind spot detection, fall under Level 0.
- Level 1: The car offers driver assistance via one automated feature in specific situations, such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping.
- Level 2: The vehicle offers partial driver assistance by simultaneously managing steering, braking, and acceleration in certain conditions.
- Level 3: There’s conditional driving automation, meaning the car handles all driving tasks under defined conditions, but the driver must be ready to take over when prompted.
- Level 4: The vehicle supports high driving automation by operating autonomously without human intervention within specific geofenced areas. However, manual controls may still be available.
- Level 5: The car features full driving automation — it is entirely self-driving and capable of handling every scenario without human input.
Although high-level autonomy is probably a long way off, the technology is trickling down in the form of increasingly sophisticated ADAS functions. Tesla’s Auto Pilot and GMC’s Super Cruise are considered Level 2 autonomy. Meanwhile, companies like Waymo and Cruise are testing Level 4 robotaxis on public roads in several cities in the U.S.
So, the next time you drive a car equipped with active ADAS features, remember that you’re operating a partially autonomous vehicle.