Glossary: Safety and assistance systems

360° camera system 

The 360° camera system is a technology that uses four wide-angle cameras on all sides of the vehicle to provide all-around visibility. These cameras capture images from all sides of the vehicle and show them to the driver on a screen inside the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering easier and improving safety. 

Accident Data Memory 

Also known as event data recorder. Electronic device in vehicles that records and stores data about various vehicle parameters during an accident. This data can be read out after an accident in order to analyze the circumstances and causes of the accident. The information helps to reconstruct accidents and develop measures for accident control. 

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System 

The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is a sound generator that generates a noise similar to that of a combustion engine within a speed range of up to 30 km/h when driving forwards and up to 6 km/h when reversing. Passers-by and bystanders are thus made aware of the all-electric bus by means of a pleasant noise. 

Acoustic Warning 

Warning generated through sounds or tones to inform the driver of potential hazards or safety risks. It can be triggered by various vehicle systems, such as automatic cruise control or Lane Keeping Assist, and serves to increase the driver’s attention as well as improve safety while driving. 

Adaptive Cruise Control 

A driver assistance system that automatically adjusts the speed of a vehicle to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. It uses sensors to measure the distance and brakes the vehicle automatically if necessary. This boosts safety and comfort for the driver. 

Alcolock 

Safety device in the vehicle that measures the breath alcohol content of the driver before the vehicle can be started. If the value is too high, the system prevents the vehicle from starting. It is also known as an alcohol interlock or breathalyzer and is used to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol as well as to increase road safety. 

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) 

Safety function in vehicles that supports driving stability during critical braking maneuvers and ensures that the vehicle remains steerable. The brake forces acting on the individual wheels are distributed by the ABS so that no wheel locks for an extended period of time, and the steerability of the bus/touring coach is largely retained even during maximum full-stop braking. 

Anti-slip Control (ASR) 

Electronic system that prevents the drive wheels from slipping. This is achieved, on the one hand, by means of targeted brake interventions, and on the other, by electronically controlling the engine torque. 

Articulation Limiter Control 

The Articulation Turntable Controller (ATC) stabilizes articulated buses in critical driving situations by regulating the hydraulic damping as required, depending on the steering angle, articulation angle, speed and load.  

Attention Alert 

Driver assistance system that warns the driver of possible distraction or fatigue by monitoring their driving behavior and detecting signs of inattentiveness. It issues warnings to prompt drivers to focus their attention to the road and avoid accidents. 

Blind Spot 

Refers to the area next to or in front of a bus/touring coach that the driver cannot see directly or through the outside mirrors. 

Blind Spot Assist 

Safety feature in buses/touring coaches that warns the driver if a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle is in the blind spot. The system uses sensors to monitor the area next to or in front of the vehicle, and warns the driver in order to avoid collisions. Sideguard Assist 2 covers the area on both the right and left of the vehicle. Front Guard Assist monitors the area in front of the vehicle. 

Brake Assist 

By constantly comparing the data, the brake assist system immediately detects when the brake pedal actuation speed suddenly exceeds the usual level, and in such situations automatically provides more brake force than usual for the brake pedal position within fractions of a second. This measurably shortens the stopping distance of the bus/touring coach. 

Braking Distance 

The distance that the vehicle requires to come to a standstill after brake application has been initiated. This depends on factors such as the vehicle speed, the brake force, the road surface condition and the tire grip. The braking distance increases in proportion to the speed. 

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 

This active system controls the brake forces at each individual wheel in critical driving situations, for example when the bus/touring coach moves around bends at its limits. At the same time, the engine output is reduced. The possibility of the vehicle breaking out is thus prevented by finely dosed braking within the physical limits.  

Emergency Braking Assistant 

Safety system that automatically detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if the driver does not brake in time. Active Brake Assist 6 from Daimler Buses is an advanced emergency braking assistant that also reacts to moving people. Preventive Brake Assist is an emergency braking assistant that has been specially developed for scheduled-service buses and initiates partial braking to protect standing passengers in the bus, if required. 

Event Data Memory 

Also known as accident data recorder. Electronic device in vehicles that records and stores data about various vehicle parameters during an accident. This data can be read out after an accident in order to analyze the circumstances and causes of the accident. The information helps to reconstruct accidents and develop measures for accident control. 

Fatigue Alert 

Driver assistance system that warns the driver of possible distraction or fatigue by monitoring their driving behavior and detecting signs of inattentiveness. It issues warnings to prompt drivers to focus their attention to the road and avoid accidents. 

Haptic Warning 

Haptic warnings use tactile stimuli, such as vibrations, to draw the driver’s attention to potential dangers, for example when leaving the lane.  

Lane Keeping Assist 

Lane Keeping Assist (SPA) uses a camera system behind the windshield to detect when the vehicle is about to leave its lane. As soon as the vehicle crosses the lane markings, the driver is alerted by means of a noticeable vibration on the corresponding side of the seat surface.  

Lane Keeping Assistant 

Driver assistance system which, similar to Lane Keeping Assist, permanently monitors whether the vehicle stays in its lane, but which can also steer the vehicle back into its lane or keep it in lane for an extended period of time by means of active steering intervention. Active Drive Assist 2 from Daimler Busses uses Lane Keeping Assist. 

MirrorCam 

Technology that replaces conventional outside mirrors in buses/touring coaches with cameras and screens. It improves visibility for the driver, increases safety and can reduce drag 

Multi-lane Monitoring 

System as part of which several lanes are monitored simultaneously by radar, for example when driving on the motorway. As a result, for example, the Active Brake Assist 6 emergency braking assistant can react more precisely and safely to obstacles around the lane. 

Radar 

Radar (short for “Radio Detection and Ranging”) is a technology that uses electromagnetic waves to detect objects, measure their distance and determine their speed. Among other things, it is used in automatic cruise control systems, turning assistants and emergency braking assistants. 

Reaction Distance 

The reaction distance is the distance that a vehicle covers during the time that the driver needs to react to an obstacle by pressing the brake pedal. When radar-based emergency braking assistants are used, the reaction distance is canceled out, which drastically shortens the stopping distance. 

Reverse Warning Device 

Safety feature in vehicles that warns the driver of obstacles when reversing. It uses sensors to monitor the area behind the vehicle and emits audible or visual warnings if an obstacle is detected. 

Reversing camera 

Camera mounted on the rear of a vehicle that gives the driver a better view of the area behind the vehicle. It is activated when reverse gear is engaged, and shows a live image of the vehicle’s surroundings on a screen in the vehicle. 

Start-off Assist 

System that monitors the area in the blind spot in front of the vehicle when moving off and when driving slowly, and warns the driver of persons in the immediate vicinity ahead of the vehicle in order to prevent collisions.  

Steering Intervention 

Measure of a vehicle assistance system to actively influence the vehicle’s steering controls. For example, thanks to electric power steering, Active Drive Assist 2 can automatically turn the steering wheel to keep the vehicle on course or steer it back into its lane if it leaves the lane. 

Stopping Distance 

The distance required by a vehicle to come to a complete standstill from the time an obstacle is detected. The stopping distance is made up of the reaction distance and the braking distance, and depends on the speed, the driver’s ability to react, the road surface condition and the tires. When emergency braking assistants such as Active Brake Assist 6 are used, the reaction time is reduced to near zero, which significantly shortens the stopping distance. 

Tire Pressure Loss Warning System 

The wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) permanently monitors the inflation pressure of all tires and warns the driver in the event of pressure loss. As a result, the system can help to prevent major tire damage and increased fuel consumption.  

Traffic Sign Assist 

Traffic Sign Assist uses GPS and camera support to continuously compare the vehicle speed with the applicable traffic regulations. The driver is warned if the permissible speed is exceeded. 

Turn-off Assistant 

Safety system that assists the driver when turning by monitoring the area next to and behind the vehicle. It warns the driver of pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles in the blind spot in order to avoid collisions. At Daimler Buses, the turning assistant is called Sideguard Assist. 

Visual Warning 

Safety feature that automatically activates a vehicle’s brake lights to inform following drivers of sudden emergency braking, thus reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.