Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) has marked a significant advancement in automotive safety. It has enabled us to integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance driver safety, reduce the risks of an accident, and increase driver, passenger, and pedestrian protection in the event of a collision. From TSS 2.0 to 2.5, 2.5+, and finally, the more advanced TSS 3.0, each iteration of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to setting new standards in automotive safety technologies.
Table of Contents
Key Toyota Safety Sense Features
The Toyota Safety Sense suite has an array of features designed to ensure safety on the road. Each feature serves a unique purpose, working in unison to mitigate risks and enhance driver awareness. Here’s a quick guide to these features:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS): Helps to prevent front-on collisions with advanced detection.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA): Monitors lane integrity and alerts the driver if they have accidently begun to veer off road.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): Adjusts high beams in response to the presence of other vehicles to improve night vision without impairing other drivers’ vision.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Maintains a pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed automatically to ensure safe following distances.
But what do these features actually do and how do they help keep you safe on the road?
Core Features of Toyota Safety Sense
Pre-Collision System (PCS)
PCS utilises sophisticated sensors and cameras to detect potential collision threats. By issuing alerts and activating brakes automatically, PCS plays a crucial role in preventing accidents, especially in scenarios where driver response might not be quick enough. Recent upgrades include pedestrian detection in both daylight and low-light conditions.
An example of PCS in action: In a simulated test involving a PCS-equipped Toyota, the vehicle automatically halted in response to a suddenly appearing bicycle, showcasing the system’s rapid reflexes.
Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist
LDA enhances driving safety by monitoring lane positions and alerting drivers of unintentional lane departures. If necessary, Steering Assist gently nudges the steering wheel to help keep the vehicle centred within its lane. Configurable settings allow personalisation to suit different driving styles and preferences. How it works:
- Specialised cameras track visible lane markings.
- Audio and visual alerts begin if you drift without signalling.
- Steering Assist gently guides the vehicle back to the lane centre if necessary.
An example of LDA in action: In an experiment simulating driver distraction, LDA with Steering Assist was successful in gently redirecting the vehicle back into the correct lane when it began to veer off into the oncoming lane, thereby averting potential side collisions.
Automatic High Beams (AHB)
Automatic High Beams enhance night-time driving by automatically switching between high and low beams. This feature uses a camera to detect oncoming vehicles’ headlights and preceding vehicles’ taillights, adjusting beams accordingly to prevent glare and improve road visibility. AHB reduces the need for manual headlight adjustments, allowing the driver to focus on the road.
An example of AHB in action: In a simulated test whereby a Toyota was driving in a rural landscape using high beams, it quickly adapted to low beams when an oncoming vehicle appeared, thereby avoiding an accident due to dazzling the oncoming driver.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
DRCC is a prime example of how automation can enhance driving comfort and safety. It adjusts vehicle speed in response to the traffic flow which allows for smoother and safer highway travel. Here’s how it works:
- Automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a predetermined distance from the car ahead.
- Works in a wide range of speeds, from motorway cruising to slow-moving traffic.
- Integrates with the Pre-Collision System to enhance overall vehicle safety.
- Offers a more relaxed driving experience, particularly beneficial on long journeys.
An example of DRCC in action: During a traffic flow efficiency test where motorway speed had dropped due to congestion, vehicles equipped with DRCC maintained the optimal distance and flow.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in TSS
Toyota’s relentless innovation has led to the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that further refine the driving experience. The latest TSS versions include sophisticated features that enhance predictive safety measures and driver convenience.
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) maintains the vehicle’s position in the centre of the lane and works in conjunction with DRCC during highway driving.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA) reads and displays road signs such as speed limits and stop signs on the vehicle’s display, ensuring you never miss critical road information.
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) offers subtle steering or braking support when necessary, to help avoid collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles.
Operating Toyota Safety Sense effectively
To get the most out of your Toyota and the suite of safety features that it offers, we recommend that owners take the time to learn how the system operates. Not only will it enhance driver and passenger safety, but it also contributes to a more enjoyable driving experience. What we recommend:
- Familiarise yourself with the vehicle settings to customise TSS features to your preferences.
- Understand the conditions under which each TSS feature is most effective and how to activate or deactivate them as needed.
- Learn how to interpret the warnings and indications provided by TSS to take timely action.
And of course, if at any point anything is not clear to you or you need additional help, feel free to head to your local Toyota dealer and we’d be happy to talk you through the features your car has and how to operate them.
TSS in Action: Real-World Applications
Toyota Safety Sense is more than just a technological achievement; it’s a suite of features that actively contributes to safer roads. What’s more, TSS can help you keep your passengers safer, can lead to reduced insurance premiums and accidents, and if you are a fleet customer, can help keep your business on the road and moving forward.
Several real-world use cases of Toyota Safety Sense have proven how valuable and dependable it is in preventing accidents and making driving a much more pleasant and safe experience.
- Numerous drivers have reported instances where PCS pre-empted potential crashes and was able to prevent them.
- LDA has kept drivers on course on long, tiresome journeys, effectively preventing accidents due to drifting in and out of lanes due to fatigue.
- DRCC has made long-distance highway travel less taxing, more fuel-efficient, and safer.
FAQs
How does Toyota Safety Sense enhance driving in poor weather conditions?
TSS systems are designed to operate in a variety of conditions, offering support when visibility or traction is compromised. This is particularly evident in heavy rain, wind or icy conditions.
Can TSS prevent all types of collisions?
While TSS significantly reduces the risk of certain types of accidents, it is important for drivers to remain attentive and proactive. TSS cannot guarantee to prevent collisions, particularly if the vehicle in question is being driven in an unsafe or reckless manner.
Will I still have control over my vehicle if TSS is activated?
Yes, TSS is designed to assist, not replace, the driver. You maintain complete control over your vehicle at all times, and each element of the TSS suite is able to be deactivated as you require.
Is there a way to test TSS features before I buy a Toyota?
Yes, Toyota dealerships offer test drives where you can experience TSS first-hand. The salesperson will be able to explain each part of the TSS system and give you a demonstration of how it can protect you and your passengers.
Are there any maintenance requirements for TSS systems?
Regular checks are recommended to ensure sensors and cameras are clean and unobstructed. Other than this, the TSS system is designed to operate free of any maintenance or servicing.
