Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for Commercial Fleets

With such a rapid pace of innovation, it can be hard to keep up with ADAS developments and decide which new technologies to pursue. From forward collision warning (FCW) to adaptive cruise control (ACC), new ADAS technologies are developed every year. Though this innovation is fueled by research into self-driving cars, ADAS technology isn’t just for consumer vehicles. Your fleet can leverage ADAS technology across your fleet to improve driver safety, reduce accidents, and decrease costs.

Read on to learn about different types of ADAS systems and the ADAS technologies that fleet managers are adopting today. Plus, learn about one of the most effective ADAS applications for commercial fleets: AI dash cams.

What is ADAS?

ADAS stands for “Advanced Driver Assistance Systems,” a broad category of technologies that improve vehicle safety by helping drivers prevent or avoid accidents. There are a few different types of ADAS systems; some monitor and alert drivers to potential safety risks, whereas others take action to prevent impending accidents. Some of the most popular ADAS technologies include adaptive cruise control (ACC), traffic sign recognition (TSR), and forward collision warning (FCW), which you can learn more about below.

ADAS technologies are powered by advanced computing, including artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and edge computing. This computing power is what makes ADAS technologies more advanced than other safety systems; they can monitor, identify, alert, and sometimes even prevent safety-critical incidents in real time.

Different types of ADAS systems

There are many different types of ADAS technologies—which can make it difficult to understand how they all fit under the larger umbrella of “ADAS.” However, ADAS technologies can generally be categorized into four different types of ADAS systems: adaptive, automated, monitoring, and warning.

7 ADAS technologies fleets are adopting

Advancements in ADAS technology are often a result of automotive industry research into self-driving cars. For example, adaptive cruise control (ACC) was developed as a critical component of autonomous driving. Now, these new technologies are being adapted for commercial needs.

New data shows that commercial fleets are increasingly adopting ADAS technologies as they become more relevant, accessible, affordable, and proven to increase commercial fleet safety. A 2018 survey conducted by Fleet Owner and Informa Engage Research asked fleets if they are currently using at least one of the seven ADAS technologies listed below. Across all fleet sizes, the average adoption rate was 40%—with large fleets (those with 50 or more Class 8 vehicles) adopting these technologies at an even higher rate of 74%.

Read on to learn about seven of the most promising ADAS technologies for commercial fleets, based on average adoption rate from a 2018 Fleet Owner survey.

AI dash cams: a highly effective ADAS application for fleets

If you’re interested in investing in ADAS technology to improve the safety of your fleet, you have lots of options to choose from. Where should you start?

In recent years, advancements in ADAS development have led to a new, highly effective ADAS application for commercial vehicles: dash cams equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). For many fleets, AI dash cams are one of the most accessible, affordable, and effective ways to introduce cutting-edge ADAS technology and achieve significant safety improvements.

Here are a few reasons why AI dash cams are one of the most effective applications of ADAS technology for commercial fleets:

• Get multiple ADAS technologies in one device: AI dash cams allow fleets to benefit from multiple ADAS technologies without having to invest in multiple different devices. With dual-facing cameras that analyze the road and driver behavior in real-time, AI dash cams may offer forward collision warnings (FCW), traffic sign recognition (TSR), and distracted driving detection (DDD)—all in one device.

• Reduce the frequency and severity of accidents: The National Surface Transportation Safety Center for Excellence (NSTSCE) found that when combined with driver coaching and telematics, dash cams reduced safety-related events (like harsh braking and collisions) by 52%. Another study in the Journal of Safety Research found that dual-facing dash cams—which record both the road ahead and in-cab activity—had an even larger effect: a 60% reduction in accidents and an 86% reduction in accident-related costs.

• Install in existing vehicles (no need to invest in an all-new fleet): Unlike some ADAS systems that are built into new vehicles by the OEM, dash cams can easily be installed in your existing vehicles or equipment. This makes dash cams uniquely accessible and affordable for commercial fleets that are interested in ADAS but aren’t looking to invest in all-new vehicles.

• Decrease accident-related costs: AI dash cams pay for themselves by providing real-time video footage that can be used to exonerate drivers on the spot, bypass lengthy claims processes, and eliminate unnecessary payouts. Plus, because dash cams are proven to improve safety and mitigate risk, some insurance providers offer premium discounts, credits, or subsidies for installing AI dash cams and sharing safe driving data.

• Coach and reward drivers: AI dash cams provide harsh event data and real-time footage that can be used to coach drivers, reducing risky driving behavior. Many fleets also use data from AI dash cams to create a safety-based driver rewards program, which can help foster a safety-first culture and increase retention of your safest drivers.

Interested in how dash cams can improve the safety of your fleet? Samsara offers a complete video-based driver safety solution that is proven to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents. In fact, a recent survey showed that 90% of customers say Samsara helped improve safety within their fleet. Learn more about Samsara AI dash cams or request a free trial today.