INGENIEUR
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topic in recent years. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers( SAE) International [ 2 ], AVs can be classified into six autonomy levels; level 0( no automation), level 1( drive assistance –“ hands-on”), level 2( partial automation –“ handsoff”), level 3( conditional automation –“ eyes off”), level 4( high automation –“ mind off”), and level 5( full automation –“ steering wheel optional”). In fact, most luxury vehicles nowadays are already equipped with SAE level 1 systems; in which both the driver and an automated system share control of the vehicle i. e. DAS. For instance, Lane Keep Assist( LKA) requires the driver to control the accelerator pedal as the vehicle automatically controls its position within designated lanes.
Safe System Approach, recognized as one of the best practices in road safety improvement, has played a major role in encouraging the emergence of DAS into the automotive markets. This approach revolves around the human being by assuming that human errors are unavoidable. Thus,“ forgiving” vehicles – in this context as DAS- are needed to ensure that mistakes do not lead to a crash or if a crash does occur, it is adequately controlled so that it will not cause serious or fatal injury.
In addition to that, there are also initiatives by consumer-based programmes in ensuring that DAS systems become standard or at least“ optional” features in vehicles. Several New Car Assessment Programmes( NCAPs) including the New Car Assessment Programme in Southeast Asian Countries( ASEAN NCAP) have included elements of DAS in their rating systems in order to encourage manufacturers to voluntarily equip their vehicles with these technologies at affordable prices. Following a familiar trend of technology diffusion, features like these appear initially in high-end models, then migrate to mid-range vehicles and eventually become available on all new models.
Certain NCAPs prioritize and specify different weightage on certain DAS systems in their rating systems, depending on situations of traffic safety( specifically frequent crash configuration) in their respective countries or regions. For example, Euro NCAP encourages the fitment and performance of an Autonomous Emergency Braking( AEB) system for the protection of pedestrians, as the number
of pedestrian fatalities in their region is very high compared with other road users. As part of ASEAN NCAP six strategic approaches, shown in Figure 1, priority is given to crash avoidance systems installed on board passenger vehicles to reduce collision with motorcycles
The Role of ASEAN NCAP in Promoting Driver Assistance Systems
Starting in 2017, ASEAN NCAP revamped their dual-rating approach to a single rating system covering three main domains: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection and Safety Assist. The new inclusion of Safety Assist contributes 25 % of the overall rating encompassing the elements of Effective Braking and Avoidance( EBA), Seatbelt Reminders( SBRs), Blind Spot Technology( BST) and advanced Safety Assist Technologies( SATs).
Figure 1 – ASEAN NCAP Six Strategic Approaches
20 VOL 74 APRIL-JUNE 2018