Adapting ADAS to Indian Driving and User Needs

The penetration of ADAS in automotive markets is increasing rapidly. However, their effectiveness and acceptance are significantly influenced by regional driving behaviours and infrastructure. This study explores the interaction between naturalistic driver behaviour in India and the operational characteristics of ADAS systems (FCW, ACC, LCF and BSD) with focus on cars. Using real-world driving data collected from Indian roads, the research aims to highlight the divergence between ADAS design assumptions often based on structured Western traffic environments and the complex, dynamic nature of Indian traffic, characterized by frequent human negotiation, informal road practices, and different vehicle types. The study characterizes multiple driver’s driving pattern through naturalistic driving and ADAS systems behaviour in corresponding situations, notably how they adapt to unstructured Indian scenarios such as lane ambiguity, pedestrian unpredictability, traffic flow unpredictability and frequent road encroachments. The study also aims to identify gaps in ADAS system performance and Indian drivers’ expectations by capturing customer’s voice, underlining the need for context-aware ADAS development tailored to emerging Indian markets. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing ADAS usability, safety, and localization strategies in India.