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Revolutionising Road Safety

7 min read
From advanced driver-assistance systems to seamless mobile apps, discover how technology is transforming the way we drive.

In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology, the focus on safety has never been more pronounced. With the integration of cutting-edge innovations, modern vehicles are not just modes of transportation but intelligent systems designed to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. Let’s delve into the current and emerging technologies that are making driving safer, more comfortable, and more connected than ever before.

The Rise Of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

At the forefront of tech-assisted driving is ADAS, a suite of features designed to reduce human error and enhance safety. However, it’s important to note that ADAS should not be confused with autonomous or autopilot systems: while ADAS provides warnings and assists with tasks like lane keeping or adaptive cruise control, it does not drive the vehicle automatically.

The driver must remain engaged and responsible for all driving decisions, as ADAS only offers support rather than replacing the human driver. These systems utilise sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist the driver in real-time. For example, certain ADAS features can detect signs of driver drowsiness and issue alerts, while onboard cameras are capable of reading road signs-such as speed limits or stop signs-and warning the driver about changes or potential hazards ahead.

For example, Subaru’s EyeSight system combines three colour cameras to detect objects and road conditions, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Similarly, Nissan’s Intelligent Safety Shield includes auto emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, ensuring comprehensive protection on the road.

On a local level, SBS Transit Pte Ltd has installed ADAS across its entire bus fleet, adopting the Mobileye system to reinforce safe driving behaviour. This technology uses a smart camera mounted on the bus windshield to monitor road conditions and alerts Bus Captains to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles detected near the front of the bus. The system also provides lane departure warnings and helps drivers maintain a safe following distance, significantly reducing collision risks and enhancing safety for both passengers and other road users.

ADAS is not limited to luxury vehicles. Brands like Kia and Hyundai have made these features standard across many models. Kia’s Drivewise suite includes forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and highway driving assist, which uses real-time navigation data to adjust speed and steering. Hyundai’s SmartSense offers innovative features like a safe exit alert, which prevents children from exiting the vehicle when an approaching car is detected.

Advancements In Semi and Fully Autonomous Vehicle Technology

Tesla has been a pioneer in semi-autonomous driving with its Autopilot system-Tesla’s branded ADAS that uses high-precision cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to detect traffic, lane markings, and obstacles, providing a layer of safety and convenience. While not fully autonomous, Autopilot assists drivers by maintaining speed, steering, and braking, but always requires the driver to remain attentive and ready to take control.

Unlike basic ADAS, it processes real-time driving data through Tesla’s proprietary neural network, enabling ongoing improvements via over-the-air updates. Despite its advanced capabilities, Autopilot is still classified as a Level 2 system under SAE standards, meaning drivers must remain fully attentive. Tesla also offers a Full Self-Driving (FSD) upgrade, which adds features like automated lane changes and traffic light recognition, but it too remains under Level 2 and does not make the car fully autonomous.

In parallel, Singapore has taken a proactive approach to autonomous vehicle (AV) development, investing heavily in research and real-world trials. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is set to deploy six autonomous public buses from mid-2026 on selected routes in Marina Bay and One-North. These buses will initially operate with safety drivers onboard, and their performance will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with strict safety standards. If successful, the trial could expand to more routes and additional buses, reflecting Singapore’s commitment to thoroughly assess AV technology’s feasibility and reliability while prioritising public safety.

Bridging The Gap Between the Car and Smartphone

The integration of mobile apps with vehicle systems has revolutionised how drivers interact with their cars. Tesla’s app, often regarded as the gold standard, allows users to control virtually every aspect of their vehicle remotely, from starting the air conditioning to unlocking doors. Rivian’s app, inspired by Tesla, offers similar functionality with minimal lag, enabling users to adjust settings and monitor their vehicle’s status with ease.

Other brands are catching up. BMW and Mini offer companion apps that provide remote control, trip planning, and even sustainability statistics. Kia stands out for its comprehensive app functionality, offering a wide range of remote vehicle controls and features. These apps not only enhance convenience but also contribute to safety by allowing drivers to monitor their vehicle’s health and location in real time.

Asian carmakers are also at the forefront of this trend. BYD, for example, offers a robust app that lets users remotely lock and unlock doors, control air conditioning, check the status of doors and windows, monitor tire pressure, track charging status, and even locate their vehicle from their smartphone. The BYD app also supports digital key functionality, allowing owners to use their phones to unlock, lock, and start their cars, and provides real-time updates on battery level and remaining driving range. These features are not just about convenience; being able to check door and window status or tire pressure remotely helps ensure the vehicle is secure and roadworthy before every journey, directly supporting safer driving.

Looking Ahead: The Next Wave of Connected and Intelligent Vehicles

As technology continues to advance, a new generation of innovations is poised to further enhance driving safety and convenience. At the forefront is the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), an evolution of automotive IoT that enables seamless connectivity between cars, smartphones, and even other vehicles on the road. This interconnected ecosystem allows drivers to remotely control a variety of functions-such as navigation, music, and engine start, directly from their mobile devices, creating a more integrated and responsive driving experience. Real-time monitoring of vehicle parameters like engine health and tire pressure helps drivers detect issues early, reducing breakdown risks and improving overall safety.

Another transformative technology is voice command integration. Increasingly available in both electric and conventional vehicles, voice command systems allow drivers to control navigation, climate, entertainment, and more using only their voice. Found in models such as the Wuling Almaz and Air EV, these systems minimise distractions by enabling hands-free interaction, helping drivers keep their attention on the road and reducing the likelihood of accidents. As artificial intelligence and natural language processing continue to improve, voice command technology is expected to become even more intuitive and deeply integrated into vehicle systems, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more personalised driving experiences.

With these advancements, the future of tech-assisted driving promises not only greater convenience and connectivity but also a significant leap forward in road safety and efficiency.

Safety Beyond The Road

Tech-assisted driving isn’t just about what happens on the road. Features like telematics and automatic emergency calling-such as 911 or local emergency services-can instantly connect drivers to help in the event of a crash. Because these systems operate automatically, they save valuable minutes in summoning life-saving assistance, even if the driver is incapacitated or unable to call for help themselves. Additionally, theft protection systems enable vehicle tracking and recovery, providing peace of mind for car owners and increasing the chances of recovering stolen vehicles quickly.

The Road Ahead

As automotive technology continues to evolve, the focus on safety remains paramount. From ADAS to mobile apps, these innovations are not just enhancing the driving experience but also saving lives. As we look to the future, the integration of AI, IoT, and autonomous systems promises to make driving safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

Tech-assisted driving is no longer a luxury but a necessity, ensuring that every journey is as safe as it is enjoyable. With these advancements, the road ahead looks brighter and safer than ever.