What is the function of Toyota Safety Sense?
Toyota Safety Sense is a bundled suite of driver-assistance features that helps prevent collisions and supports safer driving by using sensors to warn you and, if needed, intervene with braking or steering. It is designed to work across a range of driving scenarios, from city streets to highways.
Overview: how it works and why it matters
Toyota Safety Sense packages several technologies into one optional (or standard) suite. Using a forward-facing camera and radar sensors, the system continuously monitors the road ahead and around the vehicle. When it detects a potential hazard, it can alert the driver and, in many cases, take automatic action to reduce risk.
Below are the core components commonly included in Toyota Safety Sense. Availability can vary by model, trim and market.
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Adaptive Cruise Control)
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
These features are designed to work together to cover a range of driving scenarios, including highway merging, urban traffic, and night travel. However, drivers must remain attentive, as sensor performance can be affected by weather, road conditions, and sensor cleanliness.
Details by feature
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection
The PCS uses the vehicle’s forward camera and radar to detect potential collisions with vehicles ahead and, in many markets, pedestrians. If a collision is likely and the driver does not brake in time, the system can automatically apply braking to reduce speed and help avoid or mitigate a crash.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
This feature monitors lane markings to detect unintentional lane departure. If you begin to drift, it can issue visual and audible warnings and, when appropriate, provide gentle steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Adaptive Cruise Control)
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting speed automatically. It uses radar to sense traffic and can slow, stop, and resume driving as conditions permit.
Lane Tracing Assist
Lane Tracing Assist works with the vehicle’s steering to help keep you centered in your lane on highways, making minor steering adjustments to support steady highway progress and reduce drift.
Automatic High Beams
Automatic High Beams switch between high and low beam lighting as needed, improving night visibility while reducing glare for other drivers.
Road Sign Assist
Road Sign Assist reads speed limits and other road signs and displays the information to the driver in the instrument cluster or head-up display. It assists awareness but does not automatically enforce speed limits; adaptive cruise control remains driver-controlled, with RSA providing reference signs.
Limitations and responsibilities
Toyota emphasizes that Safety Sense is a driver-assistance system, not a substitute for attentive driving. Features can be limited by weather, road conditions, or obstructions to sensors. The driver should always be prepared to take control of the vehicle.
Summary
Toyota Safety Sense represents the manufacturer’s approach to enhanced safety through automation. By combining forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping support, adaptive cruise control, and sign-recognition, it aims to reduce crash risk and assist drivers without replacing human judgment. Availability and exact capability vary by model and region, and ongoing updates continue to expand what the system can do.
What happens if I press SOS in my Toyota?
Using the SOS button will put you in direct contact with the response center when you have a breakdown such as a dead battery, a flat tire, run out of gas, or need to be towed. With Toyota's Safety Connect®, you no longer need to purchase a membership in any other roadside assistance program.
What does Toyota Safety Sense do?
Toyota Safety Sense is a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features, included standard on most new Toyota models, that uses cameras, sensors, and radar to help prevent or mitigate collisions. Key features include a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams, which are designed to improve safety, awareness, and driver convenience.
Key features of Toyota Safety Sense
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Uses a camera and sensors to detect potential frontal collisions and alerts the driver. If the driver doesn't brake, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate the impact.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Works like traditional cruise control but adjusts your speed to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. Some versions can operate at full speed range, allowing for low-speed following and even coming to a complete stop.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Detects when the vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane and provides an audible and visual warning. It can also provide gentle steering input to help keep the vehicle centered.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on detected light from other vehicles or ambient light, helping to improve nighttime visibility without needing manual adjustment.
- Lane Tracing Assist: Works with DRCC to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing active steering assistance.
- Road Sign Assist: Uses a camera to recognize certain road signs, like speed limits, and displays them on the instrument panel.
- Proactive Driving Assist: Provides gentle braking or steering to help support collision avoidance and control in various situations.
At what speed does the Toyota pre-Collision System work?
The Pre-Collision System will detect a vehicle at speeds between seven and 110 miles per hour. If the driver does not react, automatic braking will reduce the speed by 25 miles per hour. Pedestrian Detection occurs at seven to 50 miles per hour and reduces speeds by 19 miles per hour if the driver does not react.
Do you have to pay for Toyota Safety Sense?
Toyota Safety Sense™ comes standard on many new Toyotas.
Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS) * is a bundle of active safety features included on many new Toyota vehicles at no additional cost. These innovative features were designed to help protect you and your passengers from harm.
