lane departure system

A vehicular safety system designed to keep drivers from drifting out of lane as well as off the road. Cameras monitor the lines in the road, and if the vehicle crosses them without the turn signal on, the driver is given a visual and/or audible alert. Known as "steering assist," the lane departure system may also nudge the car back into the lane.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
More advanced systems automatically keep the car centered in the lane. Also called "lane centering assist," this semiautonomous driving feature requires that drivers keep their hands on the wheel and works when there are no sharp curves in the road. On a long trip, the combination of lane departure and adaptive cruise control systems provides a measure of "auto pilot" without being true self-driving. See automotive safety systems, adaptive cruise control and self-driving car.

Keep Hands on Wheel

The steering wheel control on this 2017 Honda turns on lane departure. If the car moves into another lane without the turn signal flashing, the steering wheel gently pulsates to nudge the driver while moving the car back into the lane. This is not a self-driving vehicle, and drivers must keep their hands on the wheel.

Keep Hands on Wheel

The steering wheel control on this 2017 Honda turns on lane departure. If the car moves into another lane without the turn signal flashing, the steering wheel gently pulsates to nudge the driver while moving the car back into the lane. This is not a self-driving vehicle, and drivers must keep their hands on the wheel.