OzSTOC
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ruSTynutz on December 11, 2023, 12:06:16 PM
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I was talking to one of our members at the RTE at Buxton about issues with emergency braking/lane assist in new cars and coincidently John Cadogan released a video on that very subject a couple of days later...
The worst thing about every modern car (Hint: It's 'ADAS') (https://youtu.be/oqIdpcGFrzc?si=riwe_Lm2lxpcBnCz)
I read my fair share of new car reviews and quite often there are complaints about some of the "so called" safety features in modern cars and how they either don't work properly or decide to work at the most inappropriate of times.
Most of the people I've come across usually turn off lane keeping assist as it can be too intrusive but, unfortunately it is turned back on when you restart the engine...which is obviously a pain in the bum!
All I can say is I'm sort of thankful our cars are a few years old so come with very few of these "safety features"... :thumbs
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There are lots of complaints from the Isusu/BT50 fraternity with lane assist and braking assist. Its not great off road when the car thinks there is an obstacle in front and brakes go on.. Lane assist is an annoyance, but if you use "INDICATORS" (BMW and Merc drivers are unaware of there use), you can change lanes without the car fighting you. The worst case is when dodging a sudden object in the way, and the cars fights the urge to doge it.
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The worst case is when dodging a sudden object in the way, and the cars fights the urge to doge it.
Even things such as potholes which are hard enough to avoid at the best of times! :||||
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Just turn it off under vehicle settings
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If it was a simply a switch you needed to hit to turn these things off it wouldn't be so bad but many cars require you to dig deep into the settings to turn them off which is obviously a pain in the butt (especially when you're in a hurry) and then, of course, even if you do go to that effort, the moment you restart the engine you're back to square one with them back on again! :cuss
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With the D-Max, turning off the lane assist is dead easy, press and hold a button on the steering wheel. The emergency braking is something else again and quite dangerous at times and immensely irritating at other times (doing Googs track with it's 300 plus sandhills had the emergency braking activated a number of times when a piece of leafy vegetation got too close to a sensor). The manual comes in 2 parts, main and the display thingy and they comprise over 1,000 pages so I don't often refer to them, life is too short.
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My Ford Ranger has both, and I have never had a problem with either. The lane keeping assist can be simply turned on or off by means of a button on the end of the RHS stalk on the steering wheel, and it remembers the setting through power cycles. I turn it off on our local road, because its a windy, narrow, unmarked "lane", but I always use it on the better roads and find it remarkably effective. Overriding it when forcibly changing lanes or avoiding obstacles is minimal effort.
The emergency braking has only actuated a couple of times in the last 80,000kms. so hardly a problem. I dont use the car for hard core offroad, but have done many outback tracks and roads, and never had a problem.
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I guess how it performs will depend a lot on the types of roads you drive on and whether there are lane markings or not...
With 80,000ks I'm assuming your Ranger is a few years old?
These days to achieve a 5 Star Rating, ANCAP protocols require "lane assist" to automatically re-activate every time you start the engine...
Without that requirement, the latest model Ranger would only achieve a 4 Star rating... :think1
Cheers :beer
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Can you not put a bit of black tape over the sensor? That is what my daughter did on a Mazda 323 she had and it never complained.
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I guess how it performs will depend a lot on the types of roads you drive on and whether there are lane markings or not...
With 80,000ks I'm assuming your Ranger is a few years old?
Cheers :beer
Been around Australia twice plus up and down from mid north coast to Canberra etc.
Car is only 4 years old (heading for 5) and has only recently been superseeded. I note that the latest models have moved the disable button to the steering wheel, but dont whether it survives an on/off cycle.
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> but dont whether it survives an on/off cycle.
It hasn't, if you can believe this article: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2023-ford-ranger-everest-ancap-lane-keeping-software/ (https://www.drive.com.au/news/2023-ford-ranger-everest-ancap-lane-keeping-software/)
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Can you not put a bit of black tape over the sensor? That is what my daughter did on a Mazda 323 she had and it never complained.
I'm assuming you actually mean a Mazda 3, Steve? :popcorn
I think with lane assist it uses a camera to see painted lines etc so covering that up might be an issue for other functions... :think1
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> but dont whether it survives an on/off cycle.
It hasn't, if you can believe this article: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2023-ford-ranger-everest-ancap-lane-keeping-software/ (https://www.drive.com.au/news/2023-ford-ranger-everest-ancap-lane-keeping-software/)
mmm!!, maybe I'll keep this model then. But who knows when Ford will decide to change the LKA button function to on by default?. Interesting that ANCAP mandate that it be difficult to turn it off.
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Can you not put a bit of black tape over the sensor? That is what my daughter did on a Mazda 323 she had and it never complained.
I'm assuming you actually mean a Mazda 3, Steve? :popcorn
I think with lane assist it uses a camera to see painted lines etc so covering that up might be an issue for other functions... :think1
It may have been a '3' (modern cars all look the same now) and she has a Hyundi now which has the turn off every time you start it.
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My car, which I have had since new, a Pulsar SSS is now 25 years old and the main reason I am looking at new one is to get ALL the new safety features. I drive a hire car a few times a year and love blind spot warning, reversing camera with guide lines that move with the steering and active cruise control. Also happy to live with lane assist. Had a Subaru Liberty two weeks ago and think it was one button on the steering wheel to turn off lane assist. Will also be looking for heads up display. Remember the days when people didn't like ABS.
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Cheers Glen... :beer
I'd be happy with just a reversing camera and active cruise. Happy to not have lane assist and to a lesser extent, emergency braking though as some of these systems can be too intrusive at times, depending on the car.
The fact that so many people want to turn them off suggests that some of these safety systems aren't as good as they could be and don't work with all road conditions.
As for blind spot monitoring, I understand it can be very helpful at times but, I reckon one downside is that it encourages drivers not to be as observant as they should be with many drivers not worrying about doing head checks etc...
Unfortunately, most of this stuff is becoming mandatory in new cars... :fp
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Recent data on safety systems like lane guidance and collision avoidance shows that you are 10 to 50 times less likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
The computer responds far faster than any human.
My car has 8 cameras reading my environment at least 50 times/second.
Get a friend to hold a 30 cm ruler with the 0 cm between the thumb and finger with your finger and thumb at least 5 cm apart, get them to drop it without warning, and see if you can catch the ruler before it poses through. If you catch it, the cm and the rate acceleration of gravity formula will tell you how many seconds it took you to respond. It will be at least 1 to 2 seconds.
At 100 km/h, 1 second is at least 27.7 metres of travel.
Sent from my SM-N986B using Tapatalk
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Recent data on safety systems like lane guidance and collision avoidance shows that you are 10 to 50 times less likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
The computer responds far faster than any human.
My car has 8 cameras reading my environment at least 50 times/second.
Get a friend to hold a 30 cm ruler with the 0 cm between the thumb and finger with your finger and thumb at least 5 cm apart, get them to drop it without warning, and see if you can catch the ruler before it poses through. If you catch it, the cm and the rate acceleration of gravity formula will tell you how many seconds it took you to respond. It will be at least 1 to 2 seconds.
At 100 km/h, 1 second is at least 27.7 metres of travel.
Sent from my SM-N986B using Tapatalk
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Advanced driver assistance systems ‘inconsistent and dangerous’ – report
http://tinyurl.com/yeynnxh8 (http://tinyurl.com/yeynnxh8)
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I turn off lane assist (one right-thumb button on the steering wheel, just a press and hold for a few seconds) when driving Helen's new Kia Sportage as I get tired of the incessant beeping when the car drifts over lane separation lines.
..... Remember the days when people didn't like ABS.
I remember when people didn't like car radios. Well, people may have been me, and that my have been because I didn't want to admit that I could not afford a car radio.
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I have mixed feelings about the ADAS and other fancy tech on my 2022 WRX.
Adaptive cruise is awesome!
Auto-cornering headlights (not exactly a new feature) - love it.
Lane departure beeps have taught me to be better at lane control and to not be lazy about signalling when changing lanes. However I do turn it off via the touchscreen menus for twisty roads.
Emergency lane departure steering correction is something I'd be happy to do without. However it needs to be disabled on every drive so I just live with it, except on twisties.
The Lane Centreing function that functions with the cruise control is great on long straight motorways but can be downright dangerous on twisty roads (as acknowleged by Subaru). It's just a press of a steering wheel button to turn it on / off.
The emergency braking would no doubt be brilliant in a real emergency but it has a tendency to panic and yell at me if, say, there is a car coming at me at speed in the other lane on a bend. Annoying, but one day it may be a life saver.
Auto-dipping headlights - really? I can do a better job myself but I don't think this can be turned off.
Overall - probably more plus than minus.
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:bl11. I drive a 2001 falcon traytop Ute ,it has very few electric interferences,electronic ignition and ABS brakes are about it .
Most of the repairs and servicing I can do myself saving about a $150 an hour these days .
My worry about these new cars is when they get older and a few Kay’s on them the gremlins are going to start invading
These electronic systems and it’s going to be very expensive to repair. Due to parts shortages and obsolescence happening
A lot sooner it may be a wrecking proposition It may be in the near future that motoring may only be available to those
who can afford a relatively new car ! The rest will have to take the bus.( No offence Bodo )
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The rest will have to take the bus.( No offence Bodø)
Take the bus. Just don't park it across anyone's driveway. :p
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:bl11.
My worry about these new cars is when they get older and a few Kay’s on them the gremlins are going to start invading
These electronic systems and it’s going to be very expensive to repair.
I remember selling my Nissan Skyline to a lady many years ago. Her husband came with her to look at the car and grumbled about the electronic ignition/electronic fuel injection etc etc, saying that he could fix his old cars himself but could never fix one of these if it goes wrong. His wife ignored him and bought the car anyway.
Yet electronic ignition and fuel injection are 2 very very reliable technologies and cars became far more reliable with them than without. (we all remember cleaning/adjusting points/spark plugs, forever fiddling with carburettors...).
My point is that automotive technologies are generally very robust and diagnostic tools to suit the increasingly complex technologies progress at just a slightly slower pace than the technology does, so although it sounds very difficult to imagine how one might fix something, once you have the tools its not so bad. And once you've identified a faulty module, you replace it unless you also happen to be an electronics enthusiast.
How many people have had their phone repaired at the local phone shop. I'm an electronics enthusiast and I'm always amazed that these guys can pull a phone apart and replace parts like the screen, USB ports, buttons, batteries etc.
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:bl11.
My worry about these new cars is when they get older and a few Kay’s on them the gremlins are going to start invading
These electronic systems and it’s going to be very expensive to repair.
My point is that automotive technologies are generally very robust and diagnostic tools to suit the increasingly complex technologies progress at just a slightly slower pace than the technology does, so although it sounds very difficult to imagine how one might fix something, once you have the tools its not so bad. And once you've identified a faulty module, you replace it unless you also happen to be an electronics enthusiast.
Unless you own a Jeep (from an "owned a Jeep once - never again" person)
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Unless you own a Jeep (from an "owned a Jeep once - never again" person)
There seem to be a lot of us about.
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After Sue & I attended the NatRally at Mannum last year we caught up and spent time with Sue's brother in Adelaide.
At the time he owned a Lexus Hybrid SUV and while he seemed very happy with it, he was considering upgrading to a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
as he figured with its 84km battery only range he could travel to work easily and not have to waste money of fuel.
He was also in the process of having solar panels and a battery installed at his home.
Fast forward to early this year and he'd had a change of heart and had bought himself a Tesla...
Well, the love affair with that didn't last long as I heard today that he's had a gutful and is getting rid of it and buying another ICE car...
Apparently there's been some issue with the Tesla braking and slowing down to 60kph on its own accord and for no logical reason while driving at highway speeds...something like that anyhow... :crazy >:()
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A good mate of mine, a retired electronics engineer, just upgraded from his Tesla 3 to a Dual Motor Model Y.
He was happy with the Model 3 and happier with the Y.
He lives in Perth and his sons live Bunbury and Yallingup so he regular does the 530 km return trip. Main reason for upgrading was his wife finds the Y much more comfortable and as the 3 was only the standard range he is enjoying the extra range of the Y .
One of his sons purchased the Model 3 for his wife.
As a side story, the son with the model 3 also has a new top of the range Ford Ranger.
Not by plan but the Model Y and the Ranger ended up side by side at the traffic lights and the ranger is still coming.
The other son has a BYD
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That was one thing I noticed in the time I spent in Perth recently, with the number of Teslas getting around, they seem to have taken over from the "Camry"...lol.
In regard to your friends Teslas, I'm assuming they've had no issues with the ADAS? :think1
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: :bl11. I took my phone in so I could get a replacement protective cover .it’s about three years old ,I was told the cover is no longer available and would I like to view the latest replacement.I politely declined.A customer of mine had a earlier BMW,I think it was a R1150 the brake assist module became faulty, a new one only available from Germany $3000 !!!! Nearly worth more than the bike .there are hundreds of stories like these and it’s not going to get any better soon especially for people who don’t have the funds to own a late model vehicle.
:bl11.
My worry about these new cars is when they get older and a few Kay’s on them the gremlins are going to start invading
These electronic systems and it’s going to be very expensive to repair.
I remember selling my Nissan Skyline to a lady many years ago. Her husband came with her to look at the car and grumbled about the electronic ignition/electronic fuel injection etc etc, saying that he could fix his old cars himself but could never fix one of these if it goes wrong. His wife ignored him and bought the car anyway.
Yet electronic ignition and fuel injection are 2 very very reliable technologies and cars became far more reliable with them than without. (we all remember cleaning/adjusting points/spark plugs, forever fiddling with carburettors...).
My point is that automotive technologies are generally very robust and diagnostic tools to suit the increasingly complex technologies progress at just a slightly slower pace than the technology does, so although it sounds very difficult to imagine how one might fix something, once you have the tools its not so bad. And once you've identified a faulty module, you replace it unless you also happen to be an electronics enthusiast.
How many people have had their phone repaired at the local phone shop. I'm an electronics enthusiast and I'm always amazed that these guys can pull a phone apart and replace parts like the screen, USB ports, buttons, batteries etc.
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I remember when seat belts were introduced and people complained about having to put them on as it slowed them down. Bloody things are a waste of time!
Mind you with all the safety equipment and sensors in modern day vehicles, we are still managing to kill ourselves at a great rate of knots!
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South Australia has had a disastrous year for deaths on our roads.
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Doesn't surprise me in some ways...
Ever reducing speed limits, advisory signs everywhere & many of these so-called driver aids are just dumbing people down, basically just encouraging drivers to not think for themselves...
And to top it off, millions & millions of dollars are being spend on wire rope barriers while actual maintenance of our roads & especially our rural roads are basically non-existent... :||||
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To put things in perspective, in 1970 Australia's road toll was 3,798 or 30.4 persons per 100,000 of population. This was the worst year on record and continually dropped through to 2020 (1,095 or 4.3/100K population). Since then there has been a slight increase such that in 2022 (the last complete year, 1194 deaths or 4.6/100K population). Every death is a tragedy but the figures today are so much better than 50 odd years ago (I understand random breath testing came in around that time).
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To put things in perspective, in 1970 Australia's road toll was 3,798 or 30.4 persons per 100,000 of population. This was the worst year on record and continually dropped through to 2020 (1,095 or 4.3/100K population). Since then there has been a slight increase such that in 2022 (the last complete year, 1194 deaths or 4.6/100K population). Every death is a tragedy but the figures today are so much better than 50 odd years ago (I understand random breath testing came in around that time).
:thumbs
Here's a cut 'n' paste from a mid-2021 post in another Forum.
Having commenced working in road safety and traffic management in mid-76 at RoSTA (Road Safety and Traffic Authority) and progressing through RTA, VicRoads and (until recently) a similar role at Local Government, I feel I can comment from an informed position, rather than make uninformed assumptions.
If we go back to 1969, the then VIC State Government Declared War on 1034. For those of you too young or interstate and not know what that means, it was when VIC had 1,034 road fatalities in a year.
The State Government responded with injecting $M's into road safety (research, programs, infrastructure) and transitioned the Traffic Commission to RoSTA. The start was shakey with 1,061 fatalities in 1970, but quickly got on track as the number of fatalities start dropping, pretty steadily but some occasional slight set backs.
Year Fatalities1
1969 1034
1970 1061
1971 923
1972 915
1973 935
1974 806
1975 910
1976 938
1977 954
1978 869
1979 846
1980 657
1981 766
1982 709
1983 664
1984 657
1985 683
1986 668
1987 705
1988 701
1989 776
1990 548
1991 503
1992 396
1993 436
1994 378
1995 418
1996 418
1997 377
1998 390
1999 384
2000 407
2001 444
2002 397
2003 330
2004 343
2005 346
2006 337
2007 332
2008 303
2009 290
2010 287
2011 287
2012 282
2013 243
2014 248
2015 252
2016 290
2017 259
2018 213
2019 266
2020 not all data available
2021 hardly any data available
Note 1: Fatalities, this is the number of people killed in a crash, not the number of fatal crashes, eg. there was an incident in Plenty Road Bundoora in July 2010 in which five were killed, this one incident boosted the figure by five, rather than just one.
Pretty impressive, aye!
These results didn't follow one single initiative, it's just the cumulative result of many through the three "E's" - Engineering, Education and Enforcement.
Engineering - better roads and roadsides (clearing of hazards), roadside hazard protection (guard rail, wire rope barriers), intersections (traffic signals / roundabouts), vehicles & equipment (seat belts, helmets, ABS, airbags, crumple zones, 5 star ratings, etc...).
Education - driver / rider trainer, 0.05 BAC, 0.00 BAC, publicity re. seat belt and helmet wearing, etc ...
Enforcement - speed and red light cameras, BAC enforcement .....
Medical advances, (surgeons' skills, doctors, nurse, ambos and first resonders) fit in here, somewhere and no doubt have a positive impact.
Crikey, how many initiatives have I missed?
If you take into account that VIC's popluation has (approximately) doubled over 50 years, and with corresponding increases in the number of vehilces on the roads and km driven, without these initiatives a reasonable forecast of fatalities for 2019 could have been in the order of 2,100. Another way of looking at could be that an additional 40,000 to 50,000 fatalities may have occured, if not for any of the safety initiatives.
Rather than being cynical and criticising VicPol and VicRoads and looking for excuses to justify many of the poor decisions made when driving or riding, many of you (in this case in VIC, but probably the other State and Territories) could probably just appreciate what former and current Governments and Goverment Departments have done, and accept that some of you, your family and friends are here today because of their good work.
Phew! Time for another blood pressure pill.
Now in Dec 2023, some data on 2021 and 2022 will be available. I'll see if I still have access to VicRoads' Crashstats, if so, I'll have a root around in there and post an update.
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Not VicRoads', but Transport Accident Commission (TAC) data, just the past 20 years (to provide some perspective). It seems that Victoria is heading for its highest number of fatalities since 2009, but still less than a few years previous to then.
Year Fatalities
2003 330
2004 343
2005 346
2006 337
2007 332
2008 303
2009 290
2010 287
2011 287
2012 282
2013 243
2014 248
2015 252
2016 290
2017 259
2018 213
2019 266
2020 211
2021 234
2022 241
2023 295 (data on TAC site only to 27 Dec 23)
Might see if I can find some VIC population data and add a rate / 100,000 of population. That will provide some better perspective. Another element that needs to be considered is the distance travelled, but I don't know of any data collected on that matter.
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We seemed to have got off topic, to bring this back (on track) and more relevant to our Forum, what is concerning is the number of motorcyclists killed, eg. here are some screen shots from the TAC site.
1987
(https://i.ibb.co/jM53jG3/1987.jpg)
9.5% motorcyclist
1997
(https://i.ibb.co/TPVWk9K/1997.jpg)
10.8% motorcyclists
2007
(https://i.ibb.co/NZG2Bsf/2007.jpg)
13.6%motorcyclists
2019
(https://i.ibb.co/3YTt97k/2019.jpg)
16.5% motorcyclists
2020
(https://i.ibb.co/Wky0N01/2020.jpg)
15.2% motorcyclist
2021
(https://i.ibb.co/gDrGBCb/2021.jpg)
18.4% motorcyclists
2022
(https://i.ibb.co/Ytq8t3d/2022.jpg)
23.2% motorcyclists
2023
(https://i.ibb.co/K6NN3Hz/27-12-2023.jpg)
16.9% motorcyclists
What do all of these stats really mean? If any anyone really knew, the solution to our overall road toll would be simpler than it seems, but the increase in motorcyclists fatalities is concerning alarming, perhaps that could be explained with motorcycle ownerships rates, number of km being ridden - here's a research project for AC or MUARC (Monash University Accident Research Centre), perhaps the motorcycle levy could be put to good use.
Probably can't be blamed on ARAS (Advanced Rider Assistance Systems), as compared to cars, motorcycles don't have as much of that technology.
:popcorn
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Rather than being cynical and criticising VicPol and VicRoads and looking for excuses to justify many of the poor decisions made when driving or riding, many of you (in this case in VIC, but probably the other State and Territories) could probably just appreciate what former and current Governments and Goverment Departments have done, and accept that some of you, your family and friends are here today because of their good work.
When you see the state of our roads, especially in rural areas I'll certainly be critical of the responsible bodies...
It seems they are happy to spend millions and millions on wire rope barriers yet don't have the funds to fix the roads.
VicRoads answer to our crappy roads is to just drop the speed limit instead of doing much needed repairs...and when they finally do any repairs, they are usually sub-par and break up again, sometimes within hours...
Oh, and Michael, go easy on those pills! :thumb
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When you see the state of our roads, especially in rural areas I'll certainly be critical of the responsible bodies...
It seems they are happy to spend millions and millions on wire rope barriers yet don't have the funds to fix the roads.
VicRoads answer to our crappy roads is to just drop the speed limit instead of doing much needed repairs...and when they finally do any repairs, they are usually sub-par and break up again, sometimes within hours...
Oh, and Michael, go easy on those pills! :thumb
They way I see it, I'm sure VicRoads and Regional Roads Victoria would happily put the necessary funds towards road maintenance, if they had it. It's the State Government that hold the purse strings and redirected $Billions and $Billions of VIC taxpayer funds towards other projects and have us the highest debt of any State Government in the Nation. The weekly interest repayments (let alone capital) would pay for all of the road maintenance where I "work" and the entire State's road maintenance needs could probably be taken care of within 12 months.
New roads and infrastructure are a State priority, there's plenty of photo opportunities with road and bridge openings. There's no front page or 6:00pm News benefit with a pot hole being filled.
Not sure if millions and millions has been spent on wire rope barriers in recent years, happy to be corrected though. Regardless, wire rope barriers save lives, if installed correctly.
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Not sure if millions and millions has been spent on wire rope barriers in recent years, happy to be corrected though.
Vicroads have supposedly spent $4 Billion on wire rope barriers since 2015...
They've also diverted funds set aside for road maintenance and put them towards wire rope barriers.
Regardless, wire rope barriers save lives, if installed correctly.
At the expense of other road users such as motorcyclists...
They often get installed contrary to Vicroads own guidelines.
Once impacted they can regularly sit for months awaiting repair, in the meantime they are likely to be ineffectual.
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After Sue & I attended the NatRally at Mannum last year we caught up and spent time with Sue's brother in Adelaide.
At the time he owned a Lexus Hybrid SUV and while he seemed very happy with it, he was considering upgrading to a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
as he figured with its 84km battery only range he could travel to work easily and not have to waste money of fuel.
He was also in the process of having solar panels and a battery installed at his home.
Fast forward to early this year and he'd had a change of heart and had bought himself a Tesla...
Well, the love affair with that didn't last long as I heard today that he's had a gutful and is getting rid of it and buying another ICE car...
Apparently there's been some issue with the Tesla braking and slowing down to 60kph on its own accord and for no logical reason while driving at highway speeds...something like that anyhow... :crazy >:()
Just an update on this as I caught up with my brother-in-law over the Xmas break...
Apparently his Tesla kept picking up speed limit signs adjacent to the actual main road he was traveling on so kept braking to whatever speed was indicated on the other signs. Not something you want when you have cars traveling behind you on an open road.
This is just one of the reasons I think some of this ADAS is crap. If it worked as intended 100% of the time it wouldn't be so bad but a search of the internet will find plenty of examples of it causing issues.
One thing he wasn't particularly a fan of with the Tesla was having to access the central screen all the time plus the fact that the speedo is also situated there makes it not particularly driver friendly. He agreed a heads-up display would be a much better option.
I actually found it quite refreshing that a Tesla owner was acknowledging that it can be a pain in the bum having to dive into a menu of the screen just to operate functions that could be more easily served with a simple button or switch... :thumbs
Anyhow, while he still has his Tesla, it will be put on the market soon as he's bought its replacement...not an ICE as I previously thought but a Volvo XC40 Recharge.
He drove that across from Adelaide and found it very nice although the quoted 500km range fell quite a bit short...he said realistically it was more like 300kms.
Oh, and he definitely appreciated the more conventional dash and switch layout over the Tesla...
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Just watched this John Cadogan video... https://youtu.be/4t8XmORWtuw?si=qGhfwafE2VOO6OyR
Apparently when replacing a windscreen in a Subaru, someone (from O'Briens) touched the lens on one of these "you beaut" cameras that make sure you're watching the road and aren't distracted.
To cut a long story short, Subaru says the camera must now be replaced at a cost of nearly $10,000...WTF! :crazy
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Just watched this John Cadogan video... https://youtu.be/4t8XmORWtuw?si=qGhfwafE2VOO6OyR
Apparently when replacing a windscreen in a Subaru, someone (from O'Briens) touched the lens on one of these "you beaut" cameras that make sure you're watching the road and aren't distracted.
To cut a long story short, Subaru says the camera must now be replaced at a cost of nearly $10,000...WTF! :crazy
Watch that vid this AM, I reckon that story ain't finished yet.
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You're probably right, Michael! :thumb
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In my opinion this can't come soon enough as this trend to control everything through an iPad like screen while driving is absolutely ridiculous! :||||
(https://i.ibb.co/BfBXxGr/Tesla-Dash.jpg)
Car makers told to ditch distracting touchscreens: Safety body will penalise models that don't have simple button controls
- Crash test body Euro NCAP to introduce rules around controls inside new cars
- Road safety experts are concerned infotainment screen are too distracting
- Brands including Tesla, Mercedes, VW and Volvo all have new systems that are convoluted or unnecessarily confusing to use
New safety tests due to arrive in 2026 will put fresh pressure on car makers to dial back confusing touchscreen systems that can be distracting for drivers to use on the move.
From January 2026, crash testing body Euro NCAP will introduce rules that downgrade the safety ratings of new vehicles that do not have buttons on the dashboard to control simple operations such as indicating and activating hazard warning lights.
Brands including Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Volkswagen and Volvo are today offering larger, more advanced touchscreens with more controls embedded into them that are convoluted to use while driving.
To continue, click the following link:
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-13153771/Car-makers-ditch-distracting-touchscreens.html (https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-13153771/Car-makers-ditch-distracting-touchscreens.html)
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Mitsubishi reworks in-car driver monitoring
Technology that watches drivers on the road will be toned down by a popular car maker after backlash from critics and customers.
Mitsubishi has tweaked the overly sensitive driver monitoring system (DMS) in its new Triton ute after copping a barrage of criticism about the controversial feature.
The feature was so sensitive, an alarm would sound if a driver took a quick sip of coffee or a glance at the steering wheel buttons.
The technology was designed to keep drivers focused on the road ahead but in reality, it behaved like an overbearing back-seat driver.
Click to continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/2r2w3kyb
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Yet more crap that we don't really need... :||||
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De-fund ANCAP now
https://youtu.be/aQ2Imisb3s4?si=-paOM9rvIOahBdsy
Loathe him or love him, John Cadogan talks about the useless ANCAP required "safety devices" such as Lane Keep Assist that are forced onto us motorists...
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I'm with Cadogan on this one (although I haven't watch this particular video yet). Our 2023 D-Max has this emergency braking function that I cannot turn off, so the damn vehicle now determines when serious injury or death is imminent and slams on the brakes even though I've determined the small bit of bush we're going to brush past going up a sandhill is of little consequence. Or the vehicle in front is slowing and turning left and I have it all under control and can see I'm going to avoid any chance of a collision - but oh no - the emergency braking module has determined we are at mortal peril and slams on the brakes. The other day it did it and I was so surprised I gripped the wheel and wrenched to the right (not sure why - there was no danger) and aggravated some small muscle near my right elbow. Not happy Jan. I'm sick of the cotton wool being placed around us. Rant over.
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Perfect example of so-called safety features actually making driving less safe, Mark! >:()
It's worth watching the video though as he explains that ANCAP are doing a "pilot research project" on real world experiences and usability of lane support systems.
You can check out ANCAPS media release: https://www.ancap.com.au/media-and-gallery/media-releases/a62a71 (https://www.ancap.com.au/media-and-gallery/media-releases/a62a71)
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Not an ANCAP related feature, but something that seems to be becoming more common in new cars...engine stop/start.
This, for those that don't know, works by stopping the engine when you come to a stop at traffic lights and intersections etc then restarts when it's time to move off.
Well, I find it an utter pain in the bum...
How much fuel are you likely to save, a thimble full? There is obviously extra wear and tear on the starter etc for what real benefit.
Manufacturers do give you the option to turn it off but like most ridiculous features these days, they default to on when you restart the engine... :||||
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Not an ANCAP related feature, but something that seems to be becoming more common in new cars...engine stop/start.
This, for those that don't know, works by stopping the engine when you come to a stop at traffic lights and intersections etc then restarts when it's time to move off.
Well, I find it an utter pain in the bum...
How much fuel are you likely to save, a thimble full? There is obviously extra wear and tear on the starter etc for what real benefit.
Manufacturers do give you the option to turn it off but like most ridiculous features these days, they default to on when you restart the engine... :||||
Not an issue in my Golf or Tiguan, and the silence is wonderful.
In heavy city traffic, especially congested in the CBD, and on the Motorway, it can save quite a bit, as idling is the least economical.
It is mostly about reducing carbon monoxide poisoning of the people sitting in the stationary cars all sucking in each other's fumes. Carbon monoxide makes people drowsy, which leads to accidents. Cardon monoxide also contributes to smog.
PS. Stop/start engine management is a problem I don't have in my EV. :grin
Pedal up, stop. Pedal down, go (fast).
Sent from my SM-N986B using Tapatalk
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I'm glad you like it, Gadget!
I don't like the slight delay you get while the engine fires back up...
Oh, and speaking of pollution, don't you find it ironic that Volkswagen fit stop start to their cars to reduce pollution
while they criminally installed software to circumvent EPA emissions standards in what became known as "Dieselgate"? :whistle
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Hyundai consider ditching annoying technology
One of Australia’s most popular car makers looks set to give in to popular demand and get rid of it’s in-vehicle technology, even if its safety ratings suffer.
It’s the most common complaint of new car owners: beeping, bonging driver assist systems literally driving us to distraction.
Every new car sold in Australia now features some form of ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
It can be really useful stuff like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) taking over if a collision is imminent; blind spot monitor (BSM) preventing side-swipes,
and rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) stopping you reversing into moving vehicles.
We like these.
But there’s also less appreciated assistance, ranging from annoying nannying to full Orwellian nightmare.
Cameras monitor the driver’s face and beeps if your eyes stray off the road. Excellent for microsleeps, but in my experience, they can trigger if you’re
operating the touchscreen, or even scold if you’re looking both ways when approaching a junction.
Lane keeping and lane centring (a particularly exasperating development) will pogo the car between white lines as it aggressively tugs the steering wheel.
Like shop sales assistants besieging with “Can I help yous?” ADAS has become a well-intentioned but overly-pestering turn-off.
And turn off is exactly what many drivers do to these systems before each journey.
It’s a faff, but my driving routine has become close door, seat belt on, then dive through menus to disable the speed limit, lane keep and driver attention warnings.
Why? Because I trust my own driving and don’t desire the automotive equivalent of helicopter parenting.
To continue reading, click this link: https://tinyurl.com/2s4cc7nd
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Yet another story on crappy ADAS... :thumbsup
‘Big Brother’: Deadly new Aus move exposed
Cutting-edge tech designed to save lives could in fact be doing the opposite as Aussies turn away from it in droves.
A new survey shows six in 10 Aussie drivers turn off annoying and nannying driver assist systems in their cars, rendering them useless.
It’s a stark illustration of how Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as wheel-tugging lane-keeping assist and beeping
driver monitors are proving intrusive hinderances, rather than the beneficial lifesavers they ought to be.
The survey conducted by Insurance Australia Group (IAG) revealed more than a third of Aussie drivers found ADAS features distracting,
and sometimes made driving more difficult or dangerous.
Alarmingly, from the 2000 drivers who responded, more than two in five (43 per cent) said ADAS had negatively impacted their driving.
Disabling these systems could be seen as putting lives in danger, but to frustrated drivers, poorly calibrated or overly annoying ADAS
is in itself the danger.
The shocking statistics will come as no surprise to Australians mystified by systems that feel more Big Brother than trusted companion.
With such advanced camera, radar and LiDAR-based technology in most modern cars, crashes and the road toll should be plunging.
Yet 2024 saw Australia’s highest road toll since 2012, with 1300 lives lost.
And things are even worse this year, according to the Australian Government’s own road safety data hub.
According to the latest figures available through the 12 months ending September 2025, the road fatality rate is 5.2 per cent higher
than over the same time last year.
There were 990 deaths on Australian roads this year through to the end of September, according to the data/
The survey conducted by IAG, Australia and New Zealand’s largest general insurance company, with brands such as NRMA Insurance
and RACV, previews a year-long study on ADAS by partnering with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and iMOVE, Australia’s
national centre for transport and mobility research and development.
Beginning in January next year, the field study of 60 drivers at a testing facility seeks to learn how Aussie drivers interact with ADAS,
and how we can better realise its life-saving potential.
The first nut to crack will be why 60 per cent of drivers switch off systems designed to help and protect them.
“ADAS has got to be a good coach and not an annoying schoolmaster,” said IAG Research Centre Head Shawn Ticehurst.
“Not all (ADAS) systems are equal, but I’m really pleased to see a lot of car companies are now saying they’ve got to calibrate their
ADAS for Australian roads.”
This has been a regular complaint of new car owners and motoring journalists alike.
It feels like many assist systems have been added for box-ticking or to meet ANCAP safety protocols, without enough time
spent on ensuring they function effectively on our varied roads.
To continue reading, click this link: https://tinyurl.com/2xyhs7r9
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My experiences with ADAS fitted to my Kia Sportage:
Fortunately I've been able to turn most of the really annoying stuff off in my Kia.
The exception is the Lane Keeping Assist which resets to on every time I fire up the engine.
On our recent travels to WA I did try driving with it enabled while crossing the Nullarbor but it annoyed the crap out of me as
it tried to keep the car centred in the lane whereas I tend to keep more to the left, especially when you have a road train approaching. :||||
The Driver Attention Warning was mostly pretty much hassle free unless I decided to wear sunglasses.
At one point wearing them resulted in it suggesting I needed to take a break within what felt like 5 minutes after I'd just had one!
Emergency braking while using the adaptive cruise can also be a pain...
For example, there may be a car ahead making a left hand turn. As a driver I can judge that there is no need to brake as the car will
have completed the turn or (at the very least) moved into the turning lane before I get to them but the car will sometimes jump on the brakes
anyhow...very annoying, especially if there are cars behind you!
A couple of features I do like though is the Blind Spot Detection and the Speed Limit indicator.
The speed limit detector works great and seems to be much more reliable than the speed limits indicated in Waze...
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Emergency braking while using the adaptive cruise can also be a pain...
For example, there may be a car ahead making a left hand turn. As a driver I can judge that there is no need to brake as the car will
have completed the turn or (at the very least) moved into the turning lane before I get to them but the car will sometimes jump on the brakes
anyhow...very annoying, especially if there are cars behind you!
There was some choice words used on the drive home last Saturday afternoon from the Toolleen RTE due to the "emergency braking"... :well
A car ahead of me indicated that he was turning right into a side road...Naturally I eased off the throttle and started to brake, estimating that he
would complete his turn and be well clear before we got anywhere near him.
Imagine our surprise when our vehicle decided that we were in danger of a collision and promptly jumped on the brakes so hard that it felt like
we were about to be ejected out the windscreen!
It even locked up the front brakes momentarily before the ABS kicked in...
There was never any danger of a collision yet this stupid half-arsed system felt the need to kick in...
All I can say is I was thankful no-one was travelling close behind as there would have been a fair chance of them running up our clacker.
This is a perfect example of why I reckon much of the ADAS fitted to cars these days is crap and dangerous...
(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2025/11/25/a7a8e64f5192890037e72ed4e09ed641.jpg)
Yes, I've been playing with ChatGPT... :rofl
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I agree 100% with you Rusty, about as useful as the new BOM website. We drove up Googs track (out of Ceduna) up a sandy track with many dunes to negotiate. It was NOT handy having the brakes engaging half way up a dune because there was a bit of leafy scrub extending out. I wouldn't mind so much if one could turn it off where necessary but of course mere mortals can't be trusted to make intelligent decisions these days. :angry-old-man-smiley-emoticon
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Thanks for the response, Mark! :thumbs
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My Dmax is a single cab so it is just a base model (no other choice in single cab) also being a manual I didn’t get adaptive cruise control or emergency braking instead of braking it has a red warning light and alarms that go off in those situations when I first got it it would go off at large road signs and like Langers tree branches used to scare the bejeebers out of me at first thinking the it was blowing up until I got used to it I eventually found in the settings that I could turn down the sensitivity and have not had it go off since I only have emergency alarm that goes off in the passenger seat now that scares the bejeebers out of me (that alarm is hard to ignore and impossible turn off >:())
It took a little while to turn off and tweak all that safety crap to make the Ute comfortable to drive the only annoying bit is the ones that reset every time you start the vehicle eg lane assist and lane keep which are the most dangerous systems when towing a caravan it can cause the van to get a sway up by pushing you back towards centre of the lane
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My Volkswagen T cross has the front sensors low
When driving through a gutter into a house or out you have to crawl out at tip toe pace otherwise it slams on the brakes
I did ask about turning it off but you have to do it every time you start the car
Which is a pain
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For me, the ADAS on Helen's 2023 Kia Sportage can be annoying, but not for Helen. The most annoying (for me) is the lane assist, but that's only a matter of holding down a button on the RHS of the steering wheel for a coupla seconds to disable it, each time the engine is re-started.
The other ADAS items I seem to able to live with, perhaps that's because I'm a good driver.
:Stirpot :Stirpot :Stirpot
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>perhaps that's because I'm a good driver.
Or you drive like an old woman... :p
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Or you drive like an old woman... :p
If you mean that I drive like or as good as the wives of the old men on the Forum, I'll take that as a compliment.
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Is Helen looking over your shoulder? :whistle
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ANCAP reboots crash test system
David McCowen
An ‘egregious’ and ‘embarrassing’ issue with Aussie cars is being urgently addressed in order to make the streets safer for everyone.
Our team of motoring experts been saying it for years – that many of the so-called safety features in the latest cars are often annoying and occasionally dangerous.
We’ve taken aim at awful features such as the broken driver monitoring system in Mitsubishi’s Triton, and over-the-top alarms in the Deepal S07 we called “Australia’s most annoying car”.
Both of those models were fixed with running changes as a result of brutally honest feedback from customers and the motoring media.
Car makers have listened to feedback from buyers outraged by crap ergonomics and an over-reliance on touchscreens with brands ranging from VW to Ferrari ditching the frustration of
glossy swipe-to-adjust controls on the steering wheel in favour of plain old buttons.
Good.
Now safety authorities are waking up to a problem they helped create.
Modern cars must have a variety of driver assistance features – stuff like auto emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and driver distraction monitoring – in order to get a five star
safety score from ANCAP, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program.
From next year, ANCAP will go beyond assessing whether such systems are present, or if they work, to examining how they affect drivers.
Systems that are too annoying, frustrating or jerky will lose points, compromising a car’s safety score. Which makes sense, given that many people want to turn these features off every
time they hop in a car.
The safety body’s chief executive, Carla Hoorweg, says “you’ve spoken and we have listened”.
Key changes to the safety process include breaking down scores into four “Stages of Safety”.
The “safe driving” set will encourage car makers to fit easily understood controls to cars and watch occupants to make sure their seatbelts aren’t just plugged in, but are used correctly.
Cars could lose points for having overly complicated touchscreens that make you swipe, tap, scroll and prod to access basic features.
To continue reading, click this link: https://tinyurl.com/yntu68bd
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Don't get me wrong, I don't like and find some of ADAS features annoying, and hope that may be some will be deleted, but ....
.... ‘egregious’ and ‘embarrassing’ .....
A little too emotive for me, and (in my view) an attention grabber, typical of many lournos.
It's fair to say that most of us on the Forum are getting to, or are in, our senior years, don't like change, and often look for something to get outraged about. Not sure if the journo is getting near the senior category, but he seems easily outraged.
Only a small sample of the younger generation, but my three kids and spouses (with four new model cars between them) all under 50, younger ones I use to work with (20 to 30 year olds, and all late model cars on the work fleet), don't seem to mind the ADAS features.
We need to be careful that we just don't get categorised as grumpy old men.
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Yes parts of adas I love blind spot mirrors are great having the dash telling me what speed zone we are in is very helpful having an alarm to indicate approaching vehicles when reversing I find useful
I certainly am not a fan of lane keep ,maybe if it was an alarm and steering wheel vibrate to warn you and it did not steer you back I could certainly work with that
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We need to be careful that we just don't get categorised as grumpy old men.
That might be a little too late for some on the forum :whistle
(https://imghostr.net/images/2025/11/28/f74e554e35bf488a59c66519b898571c.jpg)
:Stirpot
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It's fair to say that most of us on the Forum are getting to, or are in, our senior years, don't like change, and often look for something to get outraged about. Not sure if the journo is getting near the senior category, but he seems easily outraged.
I don't believe it has anything to do with being old as it appears to be people of all ages complaining about some of these "so called" safety features.
If these "safety features" worked as intended most people wouldn't be turning them off or wanting to be able to turn them off permanently.
When they cut in at inappropriate times, don't always operate as intended or end up just being more of a distraction than a useful driving aid then I'd suggest that as things stand now, some of these aids aren't really fit for purpose.
Perhaps car makers need to pay more attention when it comes to calibrating these features so they actually work as intended instead of just adding them with little thought to get a 5 star rating from ANCAP...
That's my 2 bobs worth... :grin
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We need to be careful that we just don't get categorised as grumpy old men.
Eh, I resemble that :angry-old-man-smiley-emoticon
To be honest, I am sick and tired of the Nanny State and its intrusion into my life. I take responsibility for my actions and cop it sweet if detected being a bit naughty. Because I'm aware of the "attitude test" applied by intelligent, generally older police officers my record is currently blemish free (other than a couple of "warnings").
This mad rush into making vehicles "safer" has got to the point where drivers are no longer in complete control of their vehicles which just dumbs society down further and further - and it's pretty bloody dumb already. Perhaps if the authorities spent a little more time and money repairing roads (I'm looking at you in particular Victoria, but all States are guilty) and a little less time mandating the latest "safety" gizmo into cars we might see a few less road accidents.
And while I'm on my rant, perhaps if our magistrates and judges took into account community expectations when sentencing we might have some of the more dangerous and irresponsible recidivist a/holes off the roads - making it safer for all. I'd be happy to pay more tax if it meant more gaols - rack'em, stack'em and pack'em I say.
Phew, now to finish my packing for my 9 day Vic High Country ride.
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And while I'm on my rant, perhaps if our magistrates and judges took into account community expectations when sentencing
I have to say this really grinds my gears.
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I really like your "rant", Mark! :thumbs :clap
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Donald Trump, US EPA, eliminate stop-start car requirement
Donald Trump has banned what he says is one of the most hated features of modern cars in a huge move that could affect the way we drive in Australia.
One of the “most hated” features in cars could disappear from the road following a bold play by US President Donald Trump.
Start-stop systems are designed to save fuel by temporarily stopping engines when cars come to a halt.
The feature has been a fixture in new models for more than a decade, propelled by government incentives to improve fuel consumption.
Click link to continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/8e392kxk
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Advanced driver assistance systems ‘inconsistent and dangerous’ – report
[url]http://tinyurl.com/yeynnxh8[/url] ([url]http://tinyurl.com/yeynnxh8[/url])
Nothing to add to this apart from you, for someone who likes his privacy, you sure use tinyurl ALOT, It hides the actual URL and people don't know where the link will go, not saying anything, but you could, if you were that way inclined to send link people to really dangerous sites in the internets.
I personally never click on a tinyurl links after being sent to po*n sites, virus sites etc.
Please post the entire link or find another URL shortener which shows the url destination when we hover over it.
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Marcus, I didn't know that.
.... never click on a tinyurl links after being sent to po*n sites, virus sites etc.
Well, that's your story, mind if I use it (if I need it)?
A mate got an instant dismissal from his Federal Government management role a few years back, clicked-on a link in an email, took him straight to a porn site, immediately closed site, IT department was monitoring internet use, immediate report to senior management, returned from lunch, security swipe card wouldn't pemit entry, met by security with a box full of his personal items from his office, marched outta the building. That was his story anyway.
Start-stop systems are designed to save fuel by temporarily stopping engines when cars come to a halt.
One of the few things that were on the must have / must not have / do not buy list when comparing new car buys for Helen around four years ago. Helen's choice, the Kia Sportage GT-Line diesel, does not have stop/start. I'm very pleased about that.
Speaking of stop/start functions, just a week ago, Helen or I must have inadvertently touched a button or flicked a switch on the Kia as the park brake auto assist would activate when not needed or wanted (it's okay for it to activaye when parked, but not when manoeuvring back and forth when parking - very, very annoying). Couldn't find anything in the Owner's Manual, but a quick YouTube search found a video, back to normal now.
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Marcus, I didn't know that.
It also tracks people who click on them. Companies used to use it in email campaigns to track who and where people clicked.
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... tinyurl... hides the actual URL and people don't know where the link will go, not saying anything, but you could, if you were that way inclined to send link people to really dangerous sites in the internets.
I personally never click on a tinyurl links after being sent to po*n sites, virus sites etc.
...
It also tracks people who click on them. Companies used to use it in email campaigns to track who and where people clicked.
This is awesome information to have :thumbsup
Thanks for letting everyone know, I'm sure it will save at least some of us from clicking on a dodgy link in the future :-++
Cheers
Shiney
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Advanced driver assistance systems ‘inconsistent and dangerous’ – report
[url]http://tinyurl.com/yeynnxh8[/url] ([url]http://tinyurl.com/yeynnxh8[/url])
Nothing to add to this apart from you, for someone who likes his privacy, you sure use tinyurl ALOT, It hides the actual URL and people don't know where the link will go, not saying anything, but you could, if you were that way inclined to send link people to really dangerous sites in the internets.
Do you honestly think I'd risk being banned from this forum by doing something like that?
Who posted it is there for everyone to see...
I've used tinyurl ever since I've been a member of Ozstoc (and long before) and as far as I'm aware, not a single person has ever complained about my links.
Please post the entire link or find another URL shortener which shows the url destination when we hover over it.
If you're that worried, you can simply add a + to the end of the tinyurl link and that will show you the "entire" link.
The tinyurl link I posted earlier will then look like this: http://tinyurl.com/yeynnxh8+ (http://tinyurl.com/yeynnxh8+)
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Start-stop systems are designed to save fuel by temporarily stopping engines when cars come to a halt.
One of the few things that were on the must have / must not have / do not buy list when comparing new car buys for Helen around four years ago. Helen's choice, the Kia Sportage GT-Line diesel, does not have stop/start. I'm very pleased about that.
Speaking of stop/start functions, just a week ago, Helen or I must have inadvertently touched a button or flicked a switch on the Kia as the park brake auto assist would activate when not needed or wanted (it's okay for it to activaye when parked, but not when manoeuvring back and forth when parking - very, very annoying). Couldn't find anything in the Owner's Manual, but a quick YouTube search found a video, back to normal now.
:thumbs
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I'm stunned so many think their reaction times (measured in seconds) vs multiple redundant computers (reaction times measured in millionths of a second) and that the believe their vision is superior to 8 to 12 × cameras, 12 × Ultrasonic sensors, 5 × millimetre wavelength radars. :shrug
Is it an ego thing?
There are reasons fewer planes crash on landing, and don't run into each other in the night sky, and its because of ADAS like systems such as Autopilot (including landings), Instrument Landing Systems, Microwave Landing Systems, RADAR, Total Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), etc.
Pilot (driver) error is the largest contributor to accidents in the air, and on the ground.
The singular, easily distracted, often fatigued, sometimes drugged, meat computer was superseded a long time ago.
Teslas driving on FSD-supervised have, by far, fewer accidents than Teslas driven by humans.
Sent from my SM-S938B using Tapatalk
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The issues most people have with ADAS has nothing to do with reaction times, it's the fact that these "so called" safety features in the vast majority of cars don't function as they should or often engage when not needed and can create a dangerous situation.
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....or they are just plain irritating... :grin
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....or they are just plain irritating... :grin
And there in lies a problem.... When a driver gets irritated, he/she gets distracted and tries to find what is going on . That means eyes and brain arent looking at the road..
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....or they are just plain irritating... :grin
And there in lies a problem.... When a driver gets irritated, he/she gets distracted and tries to find what is going on . That means eyes and brain arent looking at the road..
I guess it's hard for some to accept they're fallible and there might be something better than them.
Sent from my SM-S938B using Tapatalk
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Getting Comfortable With ADAS
ADAS isn’t one thing — it’s a bundle of features that each behave differently. The trick is understanding what each system can do, what it can’t, and how to make it work with you rather than against you.
🌟 The mindset shift
ADAS is assistance, not autonomy.
You’re still the driver; the car is just offering a second set of eyes and hands.
The goal is to reduce workload, not replace judgment.
The Features People Usually Need Time to Adjust To
1. Lane Keep Assist / Lane Centering
Can feel “tuggy” at first.
Works best on well‑marked roads.
Tip: Keep a light grip on the wheel — the system expects your hands to be there.
2. Adaptive Cruise Control
A favourite once you trust it.
Maintains distance, slows for traffic, accelerates again.
Tip: Adjust the following distance to what feels natural; most cars default to “too cautious.”
3. Automatic Emergency Braking
Rarely activates, but when it does, it’s abrupt.
Tip: Think of it as a safety net, not a driving tool.
4. Blind Spot Monitoring
One of the easiest to love.
Tip: Still shoulder‑check — sensors can’t see everything.
5. Driver Monitoring / Alerts
Can feel naggy.
Tip: If it’s too sensitive, most cars let you adjust the alert level.
Practical Strategies to “Live With” ADAS
Start with one feature at a time
Turn on only the systems you want to get used to. Add others gradually.
Learn the system’s limits
Every ADAS has blind spots:
Poor weather
Faded lane markings
Complex intersections
Unusual traffic patterns
Knowing these helps you avoid surprises.
Treat it like a co‑pilot, not a boss
If the system does something odd:
Override it
Steer through it
Brake or accelerate as needed
Your input always wins.
Use it where it shines
Long highway drives
Stop‑and‑go traffic
Fatigue‑prone situations
Avoid relying on it in:
Tight city streets
Roadworks
Rural roads with unclear markings
I have had almost no dramas wit ADAS as implemented in my 2022 Mazda CX5. I would not like to go back to before ADAS.
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Some fair comments there, Lindsay...but, as you've said, your car is a 2022 model and I think you'll find things have changed a bit with later model cars.
Moving on, I am quite happy with some ADAS such as blind spot monitoring...that in my opinion, is a genuine aid.
The same goes for parking sensors/cameras.
Others, such as automatic emergency braking, not so much as I've had the brakes slam on hard enough to momentarily lock up the wheels and to send us hard against the seat belts in a situation that was under perfect control where only light braking was required yet for whatever reason the computer decided differently.
This scared the crap out of Sue & myself and I was thankful that there was no-one close behind us.
Lane centering is a pain as I found driving over to WA. I like to drive well to the left, especially when there are road trains heading towards me yet when that was enabled I was constantly fighting against it.
Lane Keep Assist also isn't much chop when the roads are full of pot holes and you're trying to dodge them.
Thankfully I can still disable both in my Sportage. :thumbs
Hopefully, as mentioned in a previous article, from this year ANCAP will be examining how these Systems perform and actually see how they affect drivers.
Systems that are too annoying, frustrating or jerky will lose points, compromising a car’s safety score.
Hopefully then, manufacturers will lift their game and calibrate these systems so they work as intended knowing they may not get a 5 star rating if they don't...