The surround view systems on vehicles use cameras to provide a clear image of the external environment on the interior display panel or dashboard, which assists with parking and other manoeuvres. This is usually activated when the driver puts the vehicle into reverse. 

As technology is advancing, we are seeing surround view being used in conjunction with object detection to create automatic and valet parking. 

Traffic sign recognition systems use camera technology to scan the road ahead for traffic signs. This then connects to image processing software which makes a note of any changes and potential obstructions, before relaying a signal to the vehicle’s interior control panel or dashboard. This is extremely useful when travelling in an unfamiliar area or where you didn’t have chance to check the speed limit. 

This system uses a camera(s) to monitor the left and right side lane markers of the lane you’re travelling in. The warning system is designed to alert you when a tyre touches one of these lane markers to avoid collisions that occur as a result of accidentally drifting or moving out of lane. 

Usually, a warning light will flash on your wing mirror on the relevant side of the vehicle, possibly in conjunction with a light vibration of the steering wheel. In some newer and more advanced models, your vehicle may automatically steer back into the lane if you are not indicating to move out of the lane appropriately, which you must bear in mind when trying to go around an obstacle such as a parked car. 

In some vehicles, the lane departure warning can be switched off, but will likely default back on again each time you start the vehicle. 

This system uses innovative radar technology to automatically speed up or slow down a vehicle to keep pace with the traffic ahead. In some cases, your vehicle may come to a total stop if an obstruction is detected. The radar continually scans the road ahead for other vehicles and their speeds. 

In most vehicles, you can manually set the maximum desired speed for your vehicle, so if the car in front of you has a sudden increase in speed, your vehicle won’t replicate this behaviour and should always maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.  

More advanced or modern vehicles may also employ the use of Automatic Emergency Braking, which uses sensors to detect blockages, pedestrians and sometimes other vehicles which pose a potential collision threat. This safety system then applies the brakes for you, to avoid an impact or minimize damage.

Pedestrian Detection is an advanced driver assistance system which uses sensors to detect human movements and creates an audible, visual or haptic warning to drivers. In conjunction with the above, some more modern vehicles may automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to respond within a specified timescale.

Most people would admit to being focused more on the road in front of them than behind them whilst driving. Rear Collision Warning is usually activated automatically once the engine is started and uses sensors to scan the area behind the vehicle. If the system identifies that there is a risk of collision, it usually alerts the driver behind to the risk by flashing your hazard lights at an increased rate.

Even after checking your internal and external mirrors, it is still possible to miss a vehicle caught in your blind spot. Blind Spot Detection systems use sensors to monitor the road behind and next to your vehicle, and will warn you if you try to pull out when there is a risk of a collision. This can be in the form of flashing lights on your external mirrors or steering wheel haptics.

This driver assistance system uses ultrasonic sensors to aid drivers with parking and manoeuvring, alerting them to obstacles around the vehicle with various warning signals.

More advanced or modern vehicles may benefit from semi-automatic Parking Assistance, which steers the vehicle into a designated parking space. This represents the move towards more autonomous driver systems in modern vehicles.