How Does Toyota Safety Sense Work

Toyota Safety Sense is a collection of sophisticated yet user friendly vehicle safety technologies. They’re designed to assist drivers adjust to changing road conditions, anticipate and avoid dangerous situations, and mitigate the potential for motor vehicle accidents. The technology not only enhances safety for the driver and their passengers but can also help to protect other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

Safety Sense 1.0 was launched in select models in 2015 and was a culmination of a decades-long progression of individual safety technologies. The difference between 1.0 and 2.0 is that 2.0 was introduced later with more advanced safety features. Safety Sense 2.0 comes with a Pre-Collision System with Daytime and Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection and Daytime Bicycle Detection, as well as Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Road Edge Detection.

Let’s have a closer look at the safety technologies with a focus on the latest flagship Safety Sense features, including Toyota’s Connected Services.

Advanced Safety via Technological Innovation

Some features are standard across many models, whereas some features are optional. This comprehensive chart shows which Safety Sense features are standard or optional on what vehicle.  

All of the Safety Sense features can be switched on and off, with several having driver-adjusted settings. Features such as Pre Collision Safety (PCS) and Active Cruise Control (ACC) have their own variants. But what are the flagship Safety Sense technologies? What do they do, and how do they work?

Road Sign Assist (RSA)

Road sign assist uses a front-mounted camera to recognise speed signs. A visual cue appears on the display behind the wheel, indicating a speed limit change. In the event a driver doesn’t see a sign, the alert ensures a driver can make appropriate speed corrections. When used in conjunction with active cruise control (ACC), the correct speed is reached with the simple press of a button. View a quick reference chart below for inclusion in popular models.

Having a second pair of eyes is a through-line in Safety Sense. The PCS uses a camera or radar to detect a likely accident, with an audible warning and flashing a “brake” light on the head-up or instrument display. 

The system will determine if the driver is braking enough and add pressure if deemed insufficient. In the event where a collision is inevitable, the system will add significant pressure to reduce the severity of the impact, even bringing the vehicle to a stop. The technology can determine the potential for a collision that might not be immediately apparent to the driver. 

Several late models and variants have Pedestrian Detection and day time Cyclist Detection delivering safety benefits for all road users, not just the driver and passengers. Refer to the quick reference chart below for inclusion in popular models. 

Active Cruise Control (ACC)

Active cruise control uses the camera and radar to keep you at a minimum safe distance from the vehicle in front. Should that vehicle slow down, your cruise control will adjust your speed to maintain safe distance.

Should the vehicle in front speed up or depart your lane, your vehicle will automatically return to your pre-set speed. ACC provides significant convenience as it removes the need to reset your cruise control every time you brake, as you must do with standard cruise control, which can cause inconvenience in heavy highway traffic. Several models feature All-Speed ACC, allowing you to slow down to 0km/h, whereas others have ACC at speeds above 50km/h.

Automatic High Beam (AHB)

AHB uses a camera to detect oncoming headlights and vehicle tail lights, making adjustments for you without you having to take a hand off the wheel. The system may also make adjustments in the presence of streetlights, turning high beam to low.

Lane Departure Alert and Lane Trace Assist (LDA & LTA)

Many drivers will be aware of how easy it is to drift out of a lane. With a distraction or lapse of concentration, your vehicle can drift in mere seconds. LDA scans the lines ahead, can detect if you’re drifting, and warn you with an audible alert. LTA works in conjunction with ACC analysing road markings and applying extra steering support to help you maintain a safe position on the road should you begin to drift. These technologies work well in concert with other features such as blind spot monitoring, which assists with common oversights that can lead to collisions.

Safety Sense Inclusions Across Popular Toyota Models

Toyota Connected Services

Toyota connected services is suite of technologies focused on safety, security, and convenience. It compliments and extends the benefits of Toyota safety sense, with the addition of infotainment benefits of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota Connected Services is available in the Yaris Cross, LandCruiser 300, Camry SX, HiAce Commuter and Granvia vans. Toyota connected services are currently complimentary with any TCS equipped new vehicle for 3 years. They include features that can monitor your driving habits, and automatically alert support in the event of an accident or vehicle theft.

Stolen Vehicle Tracking

Should your Toyota be stolen, Stolen Vehicle Tracking (SVT) can be tracked and located through contact to our Stolen Vehicle Assistance call centre, where information can be passed to the police.

Automatic Collision Notification (ACN)

In the event of collision, ACN notifies the Emergency Call. Built-in sensors trigger this notification, should you be unable to make the call. In the event of an accident, the speedy attendance of emergency services makes all the difference.

SOS Emergency Call (SOS)

With the push of a button located in the overhead consul, and SOS Emergency Call will connect you to emergency services via a trained consultant. Whatever emergency you are in, your vehicle locator will ensure emergency services can locate you quickly.

Toyota Safety Sense and Connected Services cover an extensive list of driver-focused safety, security, and convenience features. Contact our trusted team at Parramatta Toyota on 1300 584 179 to discuss Toyota Safety Sense benefits and Toyota Connected Services in your favourite Toyota.