We’ll pay for driver assistance systems

If we can shift our own gears, and know how to parallel park our cars, do we really need driver assistance systems?

New cars equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, parking assist/self-parking, adaptive headlights, anything that steers the vehicle for you should be cause for serious evaluation.

Because ADAS relies on inputs from sensors (camera, radar, ultrasonic sensors) very precisely aimed, these sensors require calibration any time their positions are disturbed or obscured in any way. Misaimed sensors can result from a minor fender bump, a stone chip and even dust, snow or rain.

Replacing a windshield, changing to aftermarket rims for snow tires now require a precision recalibration. Chaching. Original equipment manufacturer parts must be used. Cha-ching.

In real terms, vehicles will be written off with very little damage. Repairs will only be possible at large dealerships. Cha-ching. Finally, the resale value of used vehicles will decrease. Cha-ching.

ADAS make driving easier. Nothing is free, someone will have to pay for it.

Robert Bandurka, Humboldt