The tragic Porsche crash in Pune, which resulted in two fatalities, has shocked the nation. Police reports indicate that the driver was intoxicated during the incident. Currently, an investigation is underway to determine if the 17-year-old suspect, who was at the wheel, will be tried as an adult or a juvenile.
While justice unfolds, it’s worth noting some sobering statistics: the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety revealed a 5% decrease in annual road traffic deaths to 1.19 million in 2023, yet road accidents in India are on the rise. This raises the question of whether the Advanced Driver Assistance System or Porsche Active Safe could have averted this deadly event.
1. Collision-Avoidance Assist
The Taycan’s front-facing radar assists in scanning and detecting other vehicles at intersections and in slow-moving traffic. Upon detecting vehicles, animals, bicycles, and pedestrians, it issues sensory, auditory, or visual warnings to the driver. If the driver fails to respond, the emergency braking system activates to decelerate or bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Night Vision
The smart LED headlights use a thermal imaging camera which detects people or animals in pitch dark. The live camera feed is shown on the instrument cluster and if there is someone on the road then it is highlighted in yellow. If no preventive measure is taken by the driver then it turns red. Still, if there is no reaction from the driver then the ADAS technology activates the brakes.
3. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control is the next-level cruise control which allows the car to adjust speed based on the car ahead. This radar-based technology keeps distance from other vehicles and prevents accidents from taking place even when the driver’s view is blocked. To activate the system, the speed and the gap have to be first selected. One challenge this system faces is detecting oncoming traffic in turns and corners as it only detects the traffic straight ahead.
4. Lane Keep Assist
Lane Keep Assist detects the lane markings on the road and keeps the car in the correct lane by the steering wheel providing inputs. Lane Keep Assist guides the car back in the lane. The system also sends loud audio alerts and the instrument cluster will receive a red warning light.
5. Blind Spot Detection
No matter how many times you check the rearview or sideview mirror, there will always be a blind spot when you’re changing lanes. With the help of corner radar, it detects whether there’s another car in a potential danger area that could lead to an accident. Once the sensors detect a vehicle in the driver’s blind spots, it will send warning alerts with the indicators starting to flash or audio signals.
