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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