Text by Graham Heeps. Image courtesy of Subaru.

When we're driving, nothing matters more than safety — ours and our family’s, as well as the safety of other people on the road. But safety is not always the central defining factor when we choose a new vehicle — most of us are drawn to the way the car looks and how much it costs. Fortunately, auto safety technology is advancing all the time. For one, automakers are motivated to achieve the competitive advantage that comes with top safety ratings. As well, consumer pressure and advocacy from organizations such as CAA and the U.S.-based independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) steer legislation involving safety features and technologies. IIHS rates the crashworthiness of new cars and trucks in frontal and side impacts that are representative of the most common real-world accidents.

In Canada and the U.S., IIHS ratings are the gold standard for safety and are recognized by North American media outlets, including Consumer Reports, whose vehicle testing is highly regarded for thoroughness and authoritativeness. As well, IIHS’s two highest accolades — Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick — are often quoted in new-car advertising here in Canada. (For a list of the current top performers, see page 36.) Safety technologies are advancing quickly. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) and front collision warning (FCW) are two systems the IIHS assesses for both day- and nighttime performance. These systems are becoming more common on new vehicles, along with many other advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Let’s take a look at some common — and emerging — ADAS technologies.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB applies the brakes automatically when sensors determine that a collision is unavoidable — with another vehicle, motorcyclist, cyclist, pedestrian or any other road user. It might not prevent the collision altogether, but a reduced impact speed decreases the severity of injuries. AEB is not mandatory in Canada, but it’s frequently offered as a standard feature even on lower-cost cars like the 2025 Nissan Kicks. It will be compulsory in the U.S. from 2029 onward, and, historically, Canada often follows the U.S. on auto regulations.

As with many other safety systems, AEB goes by different names depending on the automaker, such as Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) — this is standard on the 2025 Civic and Prologue EV, among other models. In brands manufactured by Stellantis — including Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Alfa Romeo — AEB is referred to as Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking. To help consumers navigate the market, Consumer Reports is among those advocating for standardized terminology and has partnered with automotive and auto-safety groups on a downloadable PDF document of common ADAS terms — “Clearing the Confusion.”

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

FCW scans the road and issues a visual and/or audible warning of a potential collision. The driver still has time to apply the brakes or take evasive action. As well, AEB may be activated by the system. These systems are becoming more common in an increasing range of vehicles, in part because the benefits are recognized by IIHS.

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Also known as blind-spot detection or blind-spot monitoring, BSW notifies the driver of vehicles in the blind spot. Sometimes there is an additional warning or switch to a camera view if the driver activates the turn signal. The vehicle may intervene to apply the brakes or steer if you begin changing to a lane with a vehicle in your blind spot.

Image courtesy of Volvo.

Cameras, Radar AND Lidar

There are many other ADAS technologies of varying levels of sophistication, but only back-up cameras are mandatory in Canada. (Since May 2018, all new vehicles weighing up to 4,536 kilograms must have a back-up camera.) As with other ADAS systems, these technologies are no substitute for staying alert (see “Proactive Driving,” page 36). ADAS systems deploy a combination of camera(s) and/or radar sensors to gather information about the environment around the vehicle. The data is used to trigger warnings or activate the safety systems as necessary.

There is no set formula for the number and type of sensors used. Some brands rely exclusively on cameras. Other automakers use a combination of sensor types. The 2025 Acura MDX Type S with Advance Package debuts the AcuraWatch 360 system, which has additional front corner radars, a higher-fidelity front camera and a front “millimetre wave” radar. Volvo is one of several automakers to introduce lidar (light detection and ranging), which makes its debut in the 2025 EX90 EV. According to Volvo, lidar can detect small objects hundreds of metres ahead, even in poor light, which gives the car more time to inform the driver and take action to avoid an accident.

The downside of lidar is its relatively high cost, which is why development of cheaper alternatives — like better radar — continues to advance. Each sensor has its strengths. Radar is good in poor visibility, for example, while cameras provide good spatial resolution and colour. ADAS and future automated-driving technologies will likely require a mixture of sensors to offer complete coverage and safety backups.

Partial Automation

Assisted driving or “partial automation” technologies — which are often a development of the adaptive cruise control (ACC) familiar to many drivers — are appearing in an increasing number of vehicles. They come in hands-on guises, such as lane-keeping assist (LKA) or as a hands-off feature, such as General Motors’ Super Cruise system or the Hands-Free Active Driving Assist option being introduced on the 2025 Ram 1500. However, like the simpler ADAS functions, partial automation systems are not a replacement for the driver, who is legally required to pay attention, whether their hands are on or off the steering wheel. In fact, the safety benefits of these systems are unproven, according to David Harkey, president of IIHS. “Some drivers may feel that partial automation makes long drives easier, but there is little evidence it makes driving safer,” he says. “As many high-profile crashes have illustrated, it can introduce new risks when systems lack the appropriate safeguards.” Partial automation systems are not included in the IIHS’s overall safety ratings but are subject to a new, separate evaluation program. When the first batch of results was released earlier this year, only the Lexus LS’s Teammate system earned an acceptable rating overall.

What works for you?

Whichever new vehicle you are considering for purchase, it’s worth checking out how the vehicle fared in independent IIHS-style safety testing, in terms of both its crashworthiness and its driver-assistance features. If additional costs are involved, think about which systems offer the biggest safety benefit in how the car will be used. For example, technologies like GM's Teen Driver, which switches ADAS systems on when a Teen Driver-designated key fob is in use, may be appropriate if you have a newly qualified driver in the household. Finally, be sure to explore as many systems as you can when you test-drive the vehicle. An overeager lane-keeping function that annoys you with unnecessary steering inputs is likely to get switched off at the first opportunity, which is of no safety benefit to anyone.

2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners Acura Integra, MDX BMW X3 Ford Explorer Genesis Electrified G80, G80 (built after October 2023), G90 (built after October 2023), GV60, GV80 (built after August 2023) Honda HR-V Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona Kia Telluride Lincoln Nautilus Mazda 3, CX-30, CX-50 (built after August 2023), CX-90 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class (with optional front crash prevention) Nissan Pathfinder (built after November 2023) Rivian R1T Subaru Ascent Tesla Model Y Toyota Prius

Proactive Driving

“Proactive driving is essential for safety on the roads,” says Ryan Peterson, manager of automotive services for CAA Club Group. “Remember, there are also motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and wildlife. As drivers, we need to keep our eyes open and scan well ahead to identify hazards on or near the road. Be aware of what is next to you or behind you by checking the rear-view and side mirrors and don’t forget to shoulder-check the blind spots.” It all comes down to having spatial awareness.

“When following other vehicles, leave a two-to-three-second following distance,” Peterson advises. “This space is essential to slow or stop if the vehicle ahead of you suddenly stops for any reason. Use smooth braking, acceleration and steering to have the best control.

“Finally, know what safety features your vehicle has by reading the owner’s manual. Avoiding erratic driving will minimize the need for driver-assistance systems to prevent collisions.”