All manner of AI-based safety systems are now installed ‘as standard’ in modern cars. But to what degree do they improve safety? With artificial intelligence powering fully self-driving cars many years away is there a danger that we believe our cars can keep us safer than they actually can?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that artificial intelligence simply appeared in 2022, with the arrival of text and image generation services like ChatGPT and Midjourney.
However, the world’s carmakers have in fact been harnessing AI “rule-based” and later “machine learning” types for some years.
Initially, AI was used to reduce crashes and human error, but over time its use has been expanded to enhance everything from fuel economy to navigation.
However, the original mission of safety remains of prime concern for vehicle manufacturers.
But just how effective are AI driver aids? Can they make you a safer driver? Is there a danger of over-relying on such safety systems?
The problem of human error
Most of us, perhaps, would like to think of ourselves as “good drivers”. Sadly, however, as humans, we are fallible behind the wheel (as in many other areas).
We simply do not have the capacity to remain vigilant for long periods, which could mean we miss hazards that could lead to collisions.
This limited vigilance might be thought of as a standalone issue, but it can also tie-in with another fallibility: the potential to be easily distracted. From mobile phones and infotainment systems to passengers, daydreaming, stress and fatigue can distract us while on the road.
We also have pretty slow reaction times compared to machines, and suffer follies such as overconfidence. Add things like tiredness, poor night vision, and alcohol/drug use, and it’s little wonder that the world’s legislators are keen to get us humans out of the driving seat both literally and metaphorically.
Are AI driver aids the solution?
The truth is, AI-powered systems have been integrated into cars for decades. Early technologies such as Mercedes Benz’s automatic braking system (ABS) in the 1970s, and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in the 1990s, harnessed realtime algorithmic decision-making, which fits the historical definition of AI.
Later, in the early noughties and 2010s, Toyota and Lexus developed AI safety systems which more closely fit our modern idea of artificial intelligence, with their parking assist and collision avoidance features.
Volvo, meanwhile, developed pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.
When it comes to self-driving cars and AI, it’s a constantly evolving picture, with carmakers launching new or updated features every few months.
Autopilot cars: Tesla and deep-learning AI
In 2014-15 Tesla introduced its Autopilot car system to much fanfare. This system harnessed deep learning/neural networks, in order to provide vision, lane detection and object recognition. Crucially, Tesla provided continuous updates to these systems, further setting it apart from “rule-based AI”.
However, as impressive as Tesla’s systems are, they do not constitute a self-driving car.
What is a self-driving car?
Car companies and governments are steadily guiding us towards a world where fully autonomous vehicles are the norm. However, the moment when you can buy a self driving car from your local dealership is some way off.
As far as both traditional and driverless car companies are concerned, AI driving features are categorised into 5 levels: 1 being the least autonomous, and 5 being the most.
As we move into 2026, most AI systems are Level 1 or 2 with a few at level 3.
Awareness of these levels can help motorists understand the limitations of their own vehicles’ AI systems.
- Level 0–1: This falls under basic assistance and support (lane warnings, adaptive cruise control etc.).
- Level 2: These systems can steer, accelerate, and brake on their own simultaneously, but the driver must stay alert and take over the controls if necessary. This is where all consumer systems sit today.
- Level 3: The car can drive itself in limited conditions without constant supervision, but the driver must still take over when asked to, or when otherwise necessary.
- Level 4: This level means the vehicle is genuinely autonomous in certain zones or conditions (e.g., restricted zones).
- Level 5: A real self-driving car: Completely autonomous, everywhere, and no steering wheel is required.
Even budget cars now have some AI safety systems
The prevalence of AI means it even appears in budget models. The Dacia Sandero, for example, has Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning, and Traffic Sign Recognition, to name a few. However, such systems may be scaled back or less powerful than vehicles with a more premium price tag.
Might some drivers rely on AI systems too much?
Since “AI” entered common parlance three years ago, carmakers have been keen to capitalise on its perceived power. With this in mind, there could be a danger that some drivers misunderstand the limitations of AI systems, potentially over-relying on it. This could result in less attention being paid to the road. Examples might include staring at phones while Adaptive Cruise Control or Lane Keeping Assist is active which is never a good idea.
Similarly, some drivers may believe AI is more effective than it actually is. For instance, sometimes AI fails to detect hazards such as pedestrians, cyclists and animals, or might not work very well in bad weather.
AI systems can also suffer sensor failure due to weather conditions like snow, or be impacted by software problems.
Additionally, artificial intelligence can be flummoxed when confronted with a new or rare scenario such as a construction area, or unusual vehicle types.
What AI safety systems are in my car?
Here are some of the most common car safety systems that harness the power of AI:
1. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Detects vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists ahead
- Automatically applies brakes to avoid or reduce collision impact
- Uses AI vision + radar data fusion
Commonly found in: Toyota Safety Sense, Tesla, Volvo, Honda, Hyundai
2. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front
- Automatically accelerates and brakes if necessary
- AI predicts traffic behaviour for smoother control
3. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Detects lane markings using AI-based image recognition
- Gently steers the car back into the lane if drifting occurs
4. Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Alerts driver if the car unintentionally leaves its lane
- Uses computer vision to track road markings
5. Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
- Monitors areas the driver can’t see
- AI analyses radar and camera data to detect vehicles
6. Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS)
- Uses AI facial recognition and eye-tracking
- Detects drowsiness and distraction (looking away from road, phone use etc.)
- Issues alerts, or slows the vehicle
- No longer only used by fleet vehicles (haulage etc.)
7. Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
- Reads speed limits, stop signs, and warnings
- AI image recognition adapts to different countries and sign styles
8. Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
- Identifies humans and cyclists in real time
- AI distinguishes between people, objects, and animals
9. Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Predicts potential crashes before they happen
- Alerts the driver earlier than traditional systems
10. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Detects vehicles approaching from the side when reversing
- Common in parking situations
11. Automatic High-Beam Control
- AI detects oncoming vehicles and street lighting
- Switches headlights automatically to avoid blinding others
12. Parking Assist / Self-Parking
- Uses AI to identify parking spaces, and steer, brake, and accelerate automatically
13. 360-Degree Surround-View Cameras
- AI stitches camera feeds into a single top-down image
- Helps prevent low-speed collisions
14. Road Condition Monitoring
- AI detects slippery roads, potholes, and sudden traction loss
- Adjusts braking and stability systems
15. Autonomous Emergency Steering
- AI steers the car to avoid obstacles when braking alone isn’t enough
So, can AI driver aids make you a better, safer driver?
The benefits of automotive AI systems are clear. From being alerted to nearby pedestrians and cyclists, to detecting potholes and telling you if you’ve drifted into an adjacent lane, artificial intelligence has helped eliminate, or at least reduce, the possibility of missing all manner of potential hazards.
However, the risk of becoming over-reliant on AI systems is very real. With most AI features at Level 2 or 3 (as opposed to 4 or 5), we’re simply not at a stage where we can let AI take over.
Put simply, we’re some years away from seeing a fully autonomous car that can be bought by a private citizen and we need to understand what our vehicle’s AI systems can and cannot do.
Certainly, drivers themselves have a responsibility to learn how their vehicle’s AI safety systems work. But arguably, manufacturers and dealerships also have a responsibility to support this learning process and should resist the temptation to market AI-based features in a way which makes them seem more safer and powerful than they actually are.
