Automotive lighting. Driver assistance systems
In the autumn-winter period, the importance of the correct operation of the headlights in the car increases. Modern cars use modern technology with the help of a driver.
Vehicle lighting is one of the most important elements affecting driving safety. This value increases even more in autumn and winter, when not only the day is shorter than in summer, but the weather is also unfavorable. Rain, snow, fog - these weather conditions require effective headlights in the car.
With the development of technology, automotive lighting has undergone a dynamic development. In the past, cars equipped with xenon headlights were considered the epitome of efficient and modern lighting. Today they are common. Technology has gone further and now offers lighting systems that dynamically make driving easier for the driver. It is important to note that modern solutions are not only designed for high-end cars. They also go to car brands for a wide group of buyers such as Skoda.
This manufacturer offers, for example, the cornering light function in their vehicles. The role of the lights responsible for this is assumed by the fog lights, which automatically turn on when the car is turned. The lamp lights up on the side of the vehicle into which the driver is turning the vehicle. Turning lights allow you to better see the road and pedestrians walking along the side of the road.
A more advanced solution is the AFS adaptive headlight system. It works in such a way that at a speed of 15-50 km / h the light beam is extended to provide better illumination of the edge of the road. The cornering light function is also active.
At speeds above 90 km/h, the electronic control system adjusts the light so that the left lane is also illuminated. In addition, the light beam is slightly raised to illuminate a longer section of the road. The AFS system also uses a special setting for driving in the rain, which reduces the reflection of the emitted light from water droplets.
When driving at night, there are also situations when the driver forgets to switch the high beam to the low beam or does it too late, blinding the driver of the oncoming car. Auto Light Assist prevents this. This is the function of automatic switching from low beam to high beam. The “eyes” of this system are a camera built into the panel on the windshield that monitors the situation in front of the car. When another vehicle appears in the opposite direction, the system automatically switches from high beam to low beam. The same will happen when a vehicle moving in the same direction is detected. In addition, the lighting will change accordingly when the Skoda driver enters an area with high artificial light intensity. Thus, the driver is freed from the need to change headlights and can concentrate on driving and observing the road.
Polish regulations require car drivers to drive with their dipped headlights on throughout the year, including during daylight hours. The rules also allow driving with daytime running lights on. This type of lighting is a great convenience, as it most often turns on at the same time as the engine is started and has low energy consumption, which translates into less fuel consumption. In addition, daytime running lights, which turn on when the key is turned in the ignition, are a godsend for forgetful drivers and protect them from fines. Driving during the day without low beams or daytime running lights on will result in a fine of PLN 100 and 2 penalty points.
In 2011, the European Commission directive came into force, which obliged all new cars with a permitted gross weight of less than 3,5 tons to be equipped with daytime running lights.
“However, in a situation where it rains, snows or fog during the day, according to the rules, the driver of a car equipped with daytime running lights must turn on the low beam,” recalls Radoslaw Jaskulski, an instructor at Skoda Auto Szkoła.
