lane departure warning (automotive) (LDW)

In modern motor vehicles, the driver is supported by various driver assistance systems. These assistance systems include lane departure warning systems. A distinction is made between Lane Departure Warning (LDW) or Lane Keeping Assistant (LKA), also known as lane departure warning, and Lane Change Assistant ( LCA).

Both systems, which are part of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems( ADAS), use radar, optical or infrared technology to monitor the lane or passing lane. Depending on the function, the corresponding lane assistant warns when the driver's own motor vehicle drifts out of the lane or when vehicles are approaching in the passing lane by means of a visual, acoustic or haptic warning signal.

Lane departure warning systems detect the lane, which they record and evaluate using camera or infrared systems. As soon as the vehicle slowly leaves the lane at a certain angle, the driver is warned. These systems work with a haptic warning via a vibration of the steering wheel. This haptic warning supports the driver, who makes his decision and action dependent on it. It does not take a decision away from the driver.

Since lane departure warning systems are designed to support the driver when driving on highways and country roads, they only operate at speeds above 60 km/h.