Cruise control, emergency braking, cameras: driver aids explained

Recent cars, like those in our fleet, come with more and more driver aids — the famous "ADAS" (advanced driver assistance systems). These are no gimmick: the technology has been mandatory on new vehicles sold in the European Union since 7 July 2024 under the EU General Safety Regulation (GSR2), as explained in these analyses of the GSR2 regulation and this insurers' briefing on ADAS. Here is a quick tour of the ones you will come across most often.

Cruise control and the speed limiter

Cruise control holds a constant speed without your foot on the accelerator: ideal on the motorway for relaxed, steady driving. The speed limiter, on the other hand, stops you from exceeding a speed you have set — handy for staying within the limits. Some models have "adaptive" cruise control, which automatically adjusts the gap to the car in front.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

Using radar and/or cameras, this system detects a collision risk before the driver does and applies the brakes if you do not react in time. It is one of the flagship features of the new European regulation, which now also requires it to detect pedestrians and cyclists, according to this GSR2 summary. It does not replace your own attention, but it can prevent — or soften — an accident.

Lane keeping assist

A camera reads the lane markings and gently corrects your line if the car drifts without an indicator on. On long journeys, it reduces fatigue and covers those moments of inattention. It is also one of the systems made mandatory by GSR2.

Reversing camera and parking sensors

For manoeuvring and city parking, the reversing camera and the sensors that beep as you near an obstacle are a genuine comfort — no more blind parallel parking in the narrow streets around the medina.

Other useful aids

• Blind spot monitoring: a light comes on in the mirror when a vehicle is in your blind spot.
• Traffic sign recognition: displays the current speed limit.
• Drowsiness alert: suggests you take a break after a long stretch of driving.

How to make the most of them in a rental car

• Take two minutes at pick-up to locate the steering-wheel controls (cruise control, limiter).
• These systems assist you but do not drive for you: keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
• Need a well-equipped model? Just tell us: our recent vehicles feature most of these technologies.

Want to connect your phone to the screen for navigation and music? See our guide to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.