Autoglass helps develop code of practice for ADAS

Company invests heavily in calibration technologies to improve safety

In July 2016 Thatcham Research issued a voluntary code of practice on the recalibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) during the replacement or refit of windscreens.

The insurer-backed body has advised on the necessary diagnostics, tools and skills for those fitting replacement windscreens.

This code of practice was born out of a body of work compiled by Autoglass. Most ADAS technologies rely on sensors and cameras mounted inside the windscreen.

Autoglass forecast that by 2020, four out of 10 of its windscreen replacements will involve vehicles with ADAS.

There have never been more technologies available to monitor fleet driver behaviour and enhance safety. Ten years from now, the 'Internet of Things' revolution will have made it possible to understand your car health and book it in for whatever repairs it might need directly from your phone.

One subject raised at the recent Best of Belron Conference in Lisbon (organised by the parent company of Autoglass), is the impact of new technology on the psychology of drivers. A speaker from MIT highlighted that drivers who no longer have to pay as much attention to the road might fill their spare 'cognitive capacity' with distractions like eating or using their phones behind the wheel, in the longer term becoming a less skilled back-up to the technology they increasingly rely on. 

What's clear is that drivers need to be able to trust safety features to use them effectively. Research conducted by Autoglass shows that there is a job to be done to increase the understanding of ADAS which supports many different safety features such as autonomous braking and lane departure warnings to reduce the risk of collisions.

The research found cases of drivers switching their ADAS off, failing to reap any safety benefits, or worse - ignoring advice to get ADAS calibrated after an invasive windscreen replacement. 

Many drivers simply assume everything is working correctly, yet even a 1° misalignment – undetectable without the required technical equipment – can cause the system to misjudge braking distances with potentially catastrophic consequences.

More worryingly, the research found that more than half (53%) of drivers who contacted their car dealership for calibration were given inaccurate advice in relation to their problem.

The sheer variety of different technologies in different vehicle models also makes it important for fleet managers to consider what may be needed as part of repair and maintenance policies.

Dependent on the vehicle manufacturer, a static calibration or a mobile calibration will be required, both of which Autoglass has invested in heavily. More than £1m has been spent on expert training, the latest tools and technology and controlled environments to ensure it can offer a nationwide calibration service. 

With in excess of 125 ADAS calibration technicians across the UK, trained to the highest standard, just one appointment is needed to complete a windscreen replacement and a successful calibration.

To discuss your fleet vehicle glass requirements and find out how Autoglass can deliver real value for your business, contact Jeremy Rochfort, national sales manager at  Jeremy.rochfort@belronuk.com. To apply for a trade account, visit autoglassbusiness.co.uk