Road departure mitigation system (RDM) is a technologically advanced and innovative driving assist feature. The system works similar to the lane departure system enabling drivers to keep cars within the lane but it is more advanced. The system is relatively new and has its own terms and conditions for ideal operation.
In this guide, we will provide you with complete details about the road departure mitigation system (RDM), its working, usage and troubleshooting.
About Road Departure Mitigation System
RDM is a lane departure warning system that assists drivers from drifting lanes unintentionally. It works by detecting the lane markings on the road and keeping the vehicle within the lane. The information about the lane is continuously collected through cameras and sensors which is then transferred to the car computer for autonomous handling. In the following paragraphs, we have mentioned different types of warnings and autonomous control that RDM provides.
How it Works
A windshield-mounted camera is used to detect the road markings. The system continuously detects the car’s motion contrary to the distance from the lane. If the vehicle starts moving closer to the marking unintentionally it alerts the driver. The lane departure alert appears as a dashboard warning light with a loud beep and vibrating steering. If the steering input from the driver is lesser than required, RDM can also apply brakes for avoiding a collision. Once the system receives adequate input through steering from the driver it stops automatically.
Customized Usage
The term RDM was first used by Honda, before RDM the majority of car manufacturers used a lane keeping assist system for this purpose. Honda’s road departure mitigation system is a built-in feature that comes with the default settings, but it also has other options. You can customize the RDM usage at your convenience. Let’s take a look at the customized options available in RDM.
- Normal: It is the default setting in which the system will show warnings, steering vibration and can even apply brakes.
- Wide: This option facilitates drivers to control the input of the lane departure warning system. In this setting, the system will notify drivers when the car is outside the lane edge.
- Warning Only: This option will only allow the alerts and messages on the screen. Electric power steering control or braking system will not be operated autonomously by the system.
- Narrow: This option enables drivers to use RDM on narrow city lanes. The system input will be notified when a vehicle is about to cross the lane.
These were customized options of the Honda RDM that assist drivers. Setting or changing default options does not require professional assistance, you can change it as per your need.
We have listed the way of changing the default RDM setting in your vehicle.
- Press the ‘Clock Menu Button’ and select ‘Settings>Vehicle Setting>RDM’
- Choose from the ‘Normal, Wide, Narrow or Warning Only’ option
- The default setting will be reset on the selected setting
Conditions and Limitations
The RDM in automotive is not accurate and 100% efficient. Drivers are suggested to remain alert even when the system is working properly. Here we have listed the conditions and limitations of RDM.
- The position of the front radar or camera should never be disrupted
- No additional sticker, paint or accessories should be installed over the camera or radar
- Brakes, windshield wipers and turn signals will not operate manually till the system is functioning
- The RDM system will only operate at a speed of 73km/h to 145km/h
How is it Different from Lane Keeping Assist
Honda’s road departure mitigation system is different from lane-keeping assist used in self-driving vehicles. The RDM system is considerably newer technology and therefore considered efficient. Here are some major differences between the systems.
- Lane assist will keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane. Whereas, RDM notifies when a vehicle is crossing the lane unintentionally.
- Lane assist is required to be turned on manually every time. RDM settings are stored in the car computer and can work without resetting.
- RDM uses a toggle switch that saves its settings. Lane-keeping uses a steering switch that needs to be set every time ignition is switched off.
This was all about the road departure mitigation system and its usage in modern vehicles. This system is essential in increasing the comfort and convenience of the drive. You can browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE with a mitigation system.
The following are some considerable models with mitigation systems.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on the latest driving assist features.
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