KATHMANDU: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles, particularly electric vehicles (EVs). Using a combination of cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence, ADAS helps drivers in lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.
Lane-keeping assist, for example, uses cameras to detect road markings and helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane through alerts or minor steering adjustments. These features can significantly enhance safety and comfort, especially on long drives.
ADAS vs Nepali Roads
However, Nepali roads pose serious challenges for these systems. Most highways in the country are narrow, two-lane roads with faded or missing lane markings. Frequent overtaking is a common feature on these roads with sharp turns. These conditions differ from the wide, well-marked highways this system is typically designed for.
ADAS often struggles in areas with faded or absent lane markings, triggering false warnings and distracting drivers. On narrow roads, the system may interpret overtaking as unintentional lane departure and attempt to steer the vehicle back. This increases the risk of collisions with oncoming traffic.
These issues can be especially problematic for drivers unfamiliar with the technology. In one incident, Hrithik Shrestha, who drives a Leapmotor C10, recounted a near accident on the Muglin–Narayanghat road in Chitwan. He had forgotten to disable lane-keeping assist, and while overtaking, the system initiated a sudden steering correction. He now urges the manufacturer to disable the feature by default.
Shrestha has urged the company to disable the feature by default.
Other drivers have also shared similar frustrations. Ankush Golyan said he was involved in two accidents due to ADAS in bumper-to-bumper traffic. “How is auto braking supposed to work in such conditions?” he wondered.
Auto vlogger Awashis Ojha said he always wants to turn the ADAS feature off. “I want to turn if off because have a tough time dealing with it,” he said. “I will turn it on when I am driving on the highway. It’s a no for me in city traffic.”
Binod Kafle, who owns an MG vehicle, said he has managed to disable lane assist permanently. “I am not sure whether it is possible in all cars,” he added.
Another moto vlogger, Nepali Awesome, said driver input should override automation. “ADAS features like lane assist should disengage automatically when overtaking. Maybe it is happening because of Nepal’s driving style – no indicators, only two lanes and chaotic traffic,” the auto vlogger added.
Other drivers have raised additional issues, like seatbelt sensors that beep until buckled. Since many rear-seat passengers in Nepal don’t wear seatbelts, drivers often insert spare buckles just to silence the alert.
There are also some drivers who see value in ADAS if used correctly, despite the limitations in the system.
Bikram KC, who has driven over 30,000 km, said he never turns off any ADAS features. “You just need to understand how they work and tweak the sensitivity settings,” he added.
Nishant Bhandari offered a more technical take. “Every brand calibrates ADAS differently. Even in Europe and the US, people complain about excessive alerts. On Nepali roads, these issues are magnified,” he said. “People unfamiliar with the technology, like a valet or an elderly parent, might struggle with ADAS features. In one case, someone forgot the password while parking, and the car wouldn’t start.”
In Nepal, models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, MG4 EV, and BYD Atto 3 offer Level 2 to 2.5 ADAS. This enables the car to steer, accelerate and brake on its own in certain conditions. However, these features still require drivers to remain alert and keep their hands on the wheel.
While ADAS has limitations in Nepal’s unpredictable road environment, it can still be useful in specific situations. In city traffic, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking help maintain safe distances. On long, straight stretches of highway, ADAS reduces fatigue and improves comfort. It is also useful at night, as lane departure alerts and collision avoidance systems provide added safety in low visibility.
Could LiDAR Be the Solution?
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an emerging technology being incorporated into newer ADAS systems. It uses laser pulses to create 3D maps of the vehicle’s surroundings, improving the accuracy and reliability of safety features.
Unlike cameras that rely on clear vision, LiDAR excels in various conditions such as low light, rain or fog, making it a valuable tool for countries like Nepal with unpredictable weather and road conditions.
LiDAR can detect pedestrians, vehicles, and road edges with high precision, making it particularly suitable for challenging roads with unclear markings, like the ones in Nepal. This makes it particularly useful for lane-keeping and emergency braking. Its 360-degree awareness also enhances safety on sharp turns and in congested traffic.
However, the cost and complexity of LiDAR can delay mass-market adoption in developing countries. That said, several new EVs set to launch in Nepal are expected to come equipped with LiDAR-based ADAS.
The Road Ahead
ADAS has great potential to improve road safety. However, it must be adapted to Nepal’s road conditions. LiDAR technology could play a transformative role by addressing challenges posed by unclear lane markings, narrow roads and difficult driving environments. Manufacturers need to fine-tune the system, considering local roads and driving behaviors to maximize its benefits.
Drivers also need to understand the strengths and limitations of these systems. Technology should be used as a supportive tool, not a substitute for attentive driving, especially on challenging rural or mountain roads.
