What Is Lane Keep Assist?

In recent years, automakers have introduced vehicles equipped with a variety of advanced driver-assist and safety systems.

Proponents say that the systems could be life-saving in instances of human error. Critics worry that these systems may be more of a distraction than a help, particularly when the systems malfunction, causing a vehicle to go where it should not, or when it takes the driver’s attention away from the road for too long.

Lane keep assist is one of these features designed to keep vehicles safely in their lane.

What is Lane Keep Assist?

Lane keep assist is a driver assistance system that helps keep a vehicle in its lane. This can be helpful if a driver is distracted or drowsy, and may weave in and out of lanes. The idea behind the technology is to keep a car from drifting out of its lane, thus avoiding a collision. Different automakers’ systems have different capabilities, from following curves on the highway to initiating lane changes, for example, so Digital Trends cautions drivers to “know the limitations of your particular car before relinquishing lane-keeping duties to the machines.”

According to vehicle safety technology website MyCarDoesWhat.org, lane keep assist relies on painted lane markings to determine if a vehicle is close to crossing a lane, or close to the side of the road.

What are the Benefits of Lane Keep Assist?

In some cases, lane keep assist can inspire drivers to use the turn signal more often. Lane keep assist systems will not let a driver change lanes without signaling, and when a signal is activated, the system turns off so a driver can change lanes.

It can also help alert a distracted or drowsy driver, two conditions that often play a role in collisions.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that the most successful lane assist systems, and the ones most widely used, are those that provide gentle warnings early on, when a driver may be at risk for exiting their lane, and more insistent warnings when the driver gets very close to crossing their lane, or has already done so.

What are the Drawbacks of Lane Keep Assist?

Consumer Reports explains that certain vehicles may have better lane keep assist systems than others. And some drivers say that the systems can be more distracting than helpful.

Additionally, drivers have complained about system problems, such as mistaking uneven pavement as a lane. In some cases, lanes may change due to construction, and the system may not be able to recognize these changes, sending a vehicle in a direction that it should not go. 

Consumer Reports went on to say that the system can make it hard to adapt to some road situations. For instance, if a driver changes lanes to give a bicyclist or a pedestrian more room, the system might guide the vehicle back toward them.

MyCarDoesWhat.org also notes that the system does not work with lane markings that are faded, covered with snow, or otherwise obscured.

Can I Cancel my Lane Keep Assist System?

Generally, you can turn the lane keep assist system on or off, depending on your needs, much like cruise control.

A driver can override the system if necessary by continuing to turn the steering wheel in the direction they wish to go, even if this means crossing a lane. The vehicle’s lane keep assist system may cause the steering wheel or seat to vibrate, or may cause the system to beep. 

How is Lane Keep Assist Different From Other Lane Assist Systems?

There are a range of driver assistance systems in vehicles on the market, in addition to lane keep assist. In some case, lane keep assist may be accompanied by lane departure warning, a system that warns a driver that they may be approaching or crossing a lane line, but does not actively adjust the vehicle’s position.

A vehicle with lane keep assist may also be equipped with something called lane centering assist. Lane centering assist keeps a vehicle in the middle of the lane, making adjustments to the vehicle’s position to do so. 

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.