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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Driver assist technologies

Driver assist technologies reduce road crashes by alerting you (or reacting when you can’t) to situations on the road. Protect yourself and others by keeping them switched on.

Some vehicles have built‑in safety technology designed to help you avoid crashes or reduce how serious they can be. These are commonly called driver assist technologies, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), or active safety systems.

Driver assist features don’t replace the driver. They are there to support you, especially when mistakes happen or conditions change suddenly.

Driver assist technologies use sensors and cameras to help drivers avoid danger by warning of potential hazards. In some cases, they can automatically brake or steer your car.

Many new and used cars have these features. Check your car and take the time to:

  • read your manual
  • check if your car has ADAS features, and which ones they are
  • familiarise yourself with alerts and warnings
  • keep the features switched on to protect yourself and others.

Understanding how these features work, and how to use them properly, can make every trip safer.

Lane Keeping Assist

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps you avoid drifting off the road and into danger.

This is especially important because lane departure is a leading cause of serious crashes, often linked to fatigue, distraction or loss of focus.

How it works

  • Cameras (and sometimes sensors) watch the lane markings on the road to help you stay in your lane.
  • If your vehicle starts to drift without you indicating, the system:
    • alerts you with a visual, sound or vibration
    • gently steers the vehicle back toward the lane centre in some vehicles.

LKA is not hands‑free driving. You must always have proper control of your vehicle and stay alert.

How to use LKA safely

  • Make sure the system is switched on (check your vehicle settings).
  • Always have proper control of your vehicle.
  • Use your indicator (the system expects this before changing lanes).
  • Watch for warnings (if lane markings are unclear, the system may pause).

Why it matters

LKA helps to prevent:

  • run‑off‑road crashes
  • head‑on crashes
  • side‑swipe crashes.

This is a safety feature that works best when drivers understand its limits and stay actively engaged.

Learn more about LKA technology

Automatic Emergency Braking

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) can help prevent rear end crashes.

How it works

  • Sensors monitor the road ahead.
  • If a crash risk is detected and the driver doesn’t brake in time, the system:
    • warns the driver
    • applies braking automatically if needed.

Why it matters

AEB can:

  • reduce crash severity
  • prevent some crashes entirely
  • help to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

AEB reacts fast, but it works best as backup, not as a replacement for attentive driving.

Learn more about AEB technology

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps you keep control of your car in difficult driving conditions.

How it works

  • Detects loss of traction or control.
  • Automatically brakes individual wheels.
  • Helps steer the vehicle back in the intended direction.

Why it matters

ESC helps to:

  • reduce rollover crashes
  • improve control during sudden swerves and reduce or stop skidding
  • support safer handling in poor conditions.

ESC works in the background and is always on when your vehicle is running.

Learn more about ESC technology

Other active features

Some vehicles may also include a range of other features that support safer driving.

  • Anti-lock brake systems (ABS)

    Anti-lock brake systems prevent a car’s brakes from locking and reduce skidding in emergency situations. They help drivers avoid a crash when they need to brake suddenly.

  • Adaptive cruise control

    Adaptive cruise control increases or decreases your speed and allows you to set a safe following distance.

  • Blind spot monitoring and rear cross‑traffic alert

    Blind spot monitoring warns a driver that there is a vehicle present in an adjacent lane in their ‘blind spot’.

    Rear cross-traffic alert warns a reversing driver of other vehicles or people approaching the car from either side.

  • Intelligent speed assistance and traffic sign recognition

    Helps drivers stay within the speed limit by alerting you to the posted speed or changes to the speed limit.

  • Daytime running lights

    Daytime running lights are designed to turn on automatically when driving. They increase the visibility of the car to other road users.

  • ADAS Assist

    ADAS Assist gives drivers clear, practical information about these technologies via its website and app, including:

    • easy-to-follow fact sheets and videos
    • plain language guides about how each system works
    • tips to build driver confidence and make the most of in-car safety features.

    ADAS Assist was developed with transport and road safety experts across Australia and New Zealand.

    You can explore the full range of tools on the ADAS website, or download the free ADAS Assist app from your app store.

Buying a safe car

If you are thinking of buying a car, make sure you buy the safest car for your budget. The safety of cars varies considerably, so it is important to check the safety rating before you buy.

In Australia, the level of safety a car provides is assessed and then identified through star rating systems:

The My Licence website includes further information about ANCAP and the Used Car Safety Ratings, as well as safety features and a ‘My first car safety checklist’.