Euro NCAP reforms ADAS systems: Annoying signals to end

Euro NCAP, Europe's leading vehicle safety organization, plans to introduce new safety systems that adapt to the driver's state by the end of the decade. This measure aims to address the growing distrust among drivers toward modern Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Under the GSR2 regulations adopted in 2019, all new cars must be equipped with features like Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), but many drivers find these systems overly intrusive and distracting. This is reported by Autocar.co.uk reports .

According to a survey conducted by Thatcham Research, while 82% of drivers feel safer with ADAS, one in four finds these technologies annoying. Euro NCAP technical manager Adriano Palao emphasizes that systems must understand the driver's state. For example, if the driver is focused on the road, the lane-keeping assist should not interfere with their steering.

The new approach also includes distinguishing the driver's level of distraction. The system should not issue warnings for natural actions like lowering the radio volume or adjusting the temperature. This ensures drivers do not feel like they are being "policed" by the system. Current systems often cannot accurately distinguish between fatigue and distraction, leading to a decline in trust.

Furthermore, Euro NCAP is working on making airbags and seatbelts smarter. Special sensors will determine the passenger's height and weight, adjusting the airbag deployment force and seatbelt tension specifically for that individual. This reduces the risk of injuries that safety systems themselves might cause during an accident.