By Blair Qualey,
Keeping British Columbians safe behind the wheel has always been a top priority for us at the NCDA, and today’s vehicles are doing more than ever to support that goal. While features like backup cameras, blind spot monitors, and stability control have become fairly standard, automakers continue to innovate, and the latest models are equipped with new technologies designed to improve driver awareness, reduce collisions, and help prevent injuries before they happen.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have rapidly evolved in recent years, moving well beyond basic features like cruise control and blind spot monitoring. These technologies now use an integrated suite of sensors, cameras, and radar to support safer and more informed driving. Many new vehicles now offer functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and traffic sign recognition, all of which help drivers maintain appropriate speeds, stay in their lanes, and respond more effectively to changing road conditions. These systems are designed to reduce the risk of collisions by supporting and enhancing the driver’s awareness and control.
Highway Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist are two examples of how these tools are becoming more integrated and responsive. These features combine lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go functionality, helping reduce stress and fatigue for drivers in heavy traffic or on long commutes. It is a game-changer for drivers navigating the busy roads of Metro Vancouver or the winding highways of the Interior.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is another area where technology has taken a major leap forward. Previously limited to simply detecting other vehicles, the latest systems are capable of also identifying pedestrians, cyclists, and even animals, which in a province with as much wildlife as ours, is an important new feature.
Another exciting development is the growing use of Driver Monitoring Systems. These tools use infrared cameras and other sensors to monitor eye movements, head position, and even blink rate to assess whether a driver is becoming distracted or drowsy. If the system detects that a driver is not paying attention, it can issue an alert or even gently bring the vehicle to a stop if necessary. While these systems are currently more common in higher-end vehicles or European markets, they are beginning to appear more frequently in Canadian models — and given the size of our country and how long a road-trip can sometimes take, is a welcome upgrade.
Looking further ahead, connected vehicle technology is beginning to reshape how vehicles interact with the world around them. While Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) systems are still in early stages in Canada, national initiatives are exploring how cars can communicate with traffic lights, signage, and construction zones to improve road safety. These systems offer promising potential for British Columbia, especially in urban centers like Vancouver or in highway corridors impacted by weather or wildlife. As pilot programs emerge across Canada, BC drivers may soon benefit from real-time alerts about road hazards, changing lights, or congestion, offering a glimpse into the future of safer, smarter mobility.
As these innovations become more common, safety features are no longer limited to luxury vehicles. They are now a core part of everyday driving. Whether you are navigating snowy backroads or merging on the Sea to Sky Highway, today’s technology is designed to keep everyone safer.
If you’d like to learn more about these new features and emerging technology, talk to your local new car dealer!
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]
