Automation in vehicles has come a long way since the earliest forms of speed governors. While the concept of a self-driving car may still feel like science fiction to many, the underlying technology has been steadily evolving for over a century. From simple cruise control to sophisticated self-parking systems, these innovations have been driven by a mission to reduce human error, enhance safety, and ultimately save lives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), human error is the leading cause of vehicle crashes. In 2022, there were over 42,795 traffic fatalities in the U.S. As a result, the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has accelerated exponentially, with new technologies now affecting nearly every aspect of vehicle operation.
Cheapinsurance.com has compiled a history of these key innovations, highlighting the milestone advancements that have paved the way for the future of automated driving.
1948: Cruise Control
Cruise control is a foundational automated feature that allows a driver to maintain a fixed speed without using the gas pedal. This simple function reduces driver fatigue, helps maintain speed limits, and improves fuel efficiency.
- Development: Engineer Ralph Teetor, who was blind, developed an early prototype in the late 1940s. The technology first became a luxury option on the 1958 Chrysler Imperial and was renamed “Cruise Control” by General Motors in 1959.
- Evolution: Originally a mechanical system of cables and vacuums, today’s cruise control is a digital feature that is standard on nearly all new vehicles.
1969: Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Anti-lock braking systems are a critical safety feature that works with a car’s regular braking system to prevent wheels from locking up during a sudden stop. This allows the driver to maintain steering control and avoid skidding.
- Development: While ABS was first used in aircraft in the 1920s, Ford was the first to implement the technology in passenger vehicles in 1969. High costs initially delayed widespread adoption.
- Evolution: As the technology became more affordable, ABS became a standard feature on most new vehicles by the 1990s and has been credited with reducing accidents and, consequently, lowering insurance costs.
1983: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Building on the success of ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is an active safety feature that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle during sudden stops or evasive maneuvers.
- Development: The first vehicle to feature ESC technology was the 1983 Toyota Crown.
- Evolution: The NHTSA estimates that once all light vehicles are equipped with ESC, the technology has the potential to save thousands of lives and prevent hundreds of thousands of injuries each year.
1991: Rearview Video Systems
Rearview cameras provide a wide-angle view of the area behind a vehicle, helping drivers avoid collisions with objects, other vehicles, and pedestrians while backing up.
- Development: The first car to incorporate a backup camera was the 1991 Toyota Soarer, sold exclusively in Japan. The technology debuted in the U.S. in the 2002 Infiniti Q45.
- Evolution: Due to a high number of “backover” crashes, particularly involving children and the elderly, the NHTSA issued a final ruling in 2014 requiring all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds to have rearview visibility technology by May 2018.
1992: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control is a significant step toward autonomous driving. It automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, without requiring driver intervention.
- Development: Mitsubishi was the first to develop and implement this technology in 1992, using a combination of lidar and radar. It was introduced in the U.S. with the Mercedes S-Class sedan in 1999.
- Evolution: Newer systems now use more reliable radar and sensors that are not affected by darkness or inclement weather. ACC is considered a Level 1 or 2 ADAS system, which means the vehicle can operate independently of the driver in some situations.
1995: Blind Spot Detection
Blind spot detection systems alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent collisions during lane changes.
- Development: The technology was patented in the mid-1990s by George Platzer, an engineer who laid the groundwork for modern systems.
- Evolution: Many manufacturers now offer blind spot detection as an optional feature. While it may still be considered a luxury add-on, it has proven to be highly effective at increasing safety.
2000: Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Forward Collision Warning systems use front-mounted sensors to detect the speed of vehicles ahead and alert the driver to a potential collision.
- Development: The technology was first introduced in the U.S. by Mercedes-Benz in 2000.
- Evolution: Basic systems only warn the driver, but more advanced versions will automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent, a feature known as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).
2001: Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Warning systems use cameras to detect the vehicle’s proximity to lane markings and alert the driver if the car begins to drift.
- Development: The first passenger vehicle to offer this feature was a Nissan Cima in Japan in 2001.
- Evolution: Like other ADAS features, LDW systems vary in their levels of automation. Some simply provide a warning, while others, known as Lane Keep Assist, will automatically guide the car back into its lane.
2007: Self-Parking
Self-parking systems use a combination of cameras and sensors to automatically steer a vehicle into a parking spot, either perpendicular or parallel.
- Development: The technology first debuted on a Lexus in 2007.
- Evolution: While the systems can be a bit clumsy with certain obstacles, they have become more advanced over time, with some handling all steering, accelerating, and braking for the driver.
2008: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
AEB systems are designed to automatically brake a vehicle to avoid a collision if the driver does not react quickly enough.
- Development: One of the first commercial vehicles to feature this technology was the Volvo XC60 in 2008, with its “City Safety” function.
- Evolution: AEB is now a crucial safety feature, and many systems also include a pedestrian detection component.
2022: Conditional Automation
Conditional automation (SAE Level 3) is a major leap in autonomous driving. It allows the vehicle to perform the entire driving task within specific conditions, such as a traffic jam, without the driver having to constantly monitor the system. The driver must still be ready to take over when prompted.
- Development: Mercedes-Benz made history in 2022 by launching the first conditionally automated vehicle on the market with its S-Class equipped with Drive Pilot. The NHTSA continues to collect data on ADAS and ADS-equipped vehicles to inform future regulations and safety standards.
- Evolution: While full autonomy is still a few years away, conditional automation is a significant step toward a future where human error can be minimized. NHTSA predicts that fully automated features will be nearly standard in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Automated Driving Technology
What was the first major automated feature introduced in cars?
One of the earliest automated driving features was cruise control, which allowed vehicles to maintain a steady speed without constant driver input. This innovation laid the groundwork for later technologies that assist with braking, steering, and speed management.
How did driver assistance systems evolve over time?
Driver assistance systems gradually expanded from basic speed control to features like adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, automatic braking, and parking support. Each advancement increased vehicle awareness while still requiring active driver supervision.
Are fully self driving cars available today?
Most vehicles on the road today are not fully self driving. Current systems can assist with certain driving tasks, but human drivers are still responsible for monitoring conditions and maintaining control in real world situations.
