Are you a stressed-out driver, looking for a sign from above more often than not while on the road? Stop. You could turn to your car instead, if it is kitted out with advanced driver assistance systems.

These systems not only give the driver ‘operational level’ advice such as suggesting he/she breaks on an emergency footing when the vehicle in front abruptly decelerates, they also offer ‘tactical level’ advice such as telling the driver when to change lanes depending on traffic congestion ahead. Research has also shown that driver assistance systems can significantly help prevent accidents, which aids car safety in particular as well as road safety in general.

A new report predicts that the market for passenger car driver assistance systems is expected to quadruple from 2005 to 2010. It finds that as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) strive to differentiate their brands, consumers will be looking to benefit from new technologies. Governments introducing new road safety laws will also help boost the market.

Data from scientific investigations, has shown that driver error is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. Cars with advanced driver assistance systems will be equipped with vibrating warning devices, and even ‘earcons’ – which are audible warnings targetted to the driver. They could sense potential accident situations, help with early warnings or even automatically control a vehicle’s brakes in order to keep a pre-set distance between vehicles.

Further reading: Passenger Car Driver Assistance Systems, Technologies And Trends To 2015.This report examines existing and emerging passenger car driver assistance technologies, the market and legislative influences that are driving developments in the sector.